Estonia to close all Russia border crossings from December 1 after suspected arson at drone factory
Estonia will close all its border crossing points with Russia from December 1, following a suspected sabotage attack on an Estonian defence company that Tallinn blamed on Moscow.
Estonian authorities detained eight people overnight on suspicion of an attempted arson attack on drone maker Threod Systems in Viimsi, north of the capital Tallinn. No one was injured.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the GRU had ordered a "sabotage attempt" at the company on Saturday night. "Extensive damage was averted thanks to heightened security measures and a swift reaction by law enforcement. The attackers have been detained," he added.
Michal called the incident "part of Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia."
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said "Estonia will close all Estonian-Russian border crossing points as of 1 December," citing "clear evidence" that the GRU had ordered the attack. He said he had informed his Finnish, Latvian, and Lithuanian counterparts of the decision.
"Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered," Tsahkna said.
The closure affects the Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula crossings, which admit pedestrians and freight. Estonia gave no end date for the closure. Moscow has not yet commented on the accusations or the decision to shut the border crossings.
Threod Systems manufactures reconnaissance and attack drones.
In August, the defence subcontractor Milrem, based in Tallinn, was targeted in an attempted arson attack and Latvian nationals were arrested.
