Estonia will close Russian border crossings after suspected drone factory arson plot was foiled
Suspected attack in Viimsi
Estonian authorities said on Sunday that they had foiled an attempted arson attack at Threod Systems, a defence company whose drone factory is in Viimsi. Prime Minister Karsten Michal blamed Russia’s GRU intelligence service for the attempt, which he said took place on Saturday night.
Law enforcement detained the suspected attackers, Michal said, and extensive damage was avoided. He described the incident as part of what he called Russia’s wider hybrid campaign against Europe, aimed at reducing support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
Border closure set for December
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced hours later that Estonia would shut all border crossings with Russia by December 1. He said hostile actions against Estonia would have consequences and that efforts to intimidate or undermine the country’s security would not go unanswered.
Tsahkna said closing the crossings would help curb Russia’s ability to carry out hostile activities in Estonia. He also said the measure would strengthen efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention.
Regional partners informed
Tsahkna said he had notified his counterparts in Finland, Latvia and Lithuania about the decision. Estonia has several crossings along its border with Russia and had been among the few European Union members still allowing crossings, the report said.
Estonia’s announcement follows its accusation that Russia was responsible for the suspected attack on the Viimsi facility. The authorities’ account identifies the attackers as suspects detained by law enforcement.
Key points
- Estonia says Russia’s GRU tried to sabotage Threod Systems’ drone factory in Viimsi.
- Authorities detained the suspected attackers and said extensive damage was prevented.
- Estonia plans to close every border crossing with Russia by December 1.
- Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Finland, Latvia and Lithuania had been informed.