After suspected attack on drone maker, Estonia plans to close all border crossings with Russia from December 1

Border closure planned for December

Estonia will close its three border crossings with Russia starting 1 December. They are Narva in the north, and Koidula and Luhamaa in the south. Officials have not announced how long the crossings will remain shut. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the move is meant to limit the chance of further attacks.

Authorities describe suspected sabotage

Estonia’s internal security service, Kapo, said the weekend incident targeted a drone manufacturer. It said the suspected plan was to cause an explosion and start a fire in the building.

Authorities have asked a court to keep five detained people in custody, according to Estonia’s public broadcaster ERR. Kapo said in September that an incident was deliberate and planned on behalf of Russian special services.

Officials warn of consequences

Michal said the closure would make clear that attacks on Estonia’s defence industry and capabilities are unacceptable. Foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said hostile actions against Estonia would bring consequences and would not go unanswered.

Kapo has linked the incident to a broader pattern of attacks against defence and drone businesses, especially those connected to Ukraine. European intelligence services have also warned about risks to defence companies and Russian efforts to recruit people online in EU and Nato countries for sabotage.