Estonia to close road border crossings with Russia on December 1

Estonia will close road border crossing points with Russia on December 1, following an attempted arson attack on an Estonian defence company that Tallinn attributed to Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU.

The attack

Eight Latvian citizens were detained after an attempt to break into Threod Systems' property in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, on Saturday morning, according to ERR. The group was aiming to cause an explosion and set the building on fire. The company produces long-range reconnaissance and attack drones, among other things.

The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) said the attack was carried out on the orders of Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said extensive damage was averted thanks to heightened security measures and a swift reaction by law enforcement, and that the attackers have been detained. He called the incident "part of Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia."

The border closure

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Estonia will close road border crossing points with Russia on December 1. Estonia has three open road border crossings with Russia in Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, which admit pedestrians and freight goods. They operate for 12 hours a day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Interior Minister Igor Taro said the government will discuss closing all Estonia-Russia road border crossing points from the beginning of December, and that the government will discuss in the coming days whether the decision will be temporary or indefinite.

Estonian residents and truck drivers who have traveled to Russia will be able to return home over the next two weeks. After that, the journey home could become long and complicated, Taro said.

Estonia also has railway crossings with Russia in Narva and Koidula.

This is the second attempted arson attack on a defence industry company since August, when Milrem Robotics, which is based in Tallinn, was targeted.

Why it matters

The closure follows what Estonia describes as GRU-ordered sabotage against its defence industry and comes amid what Prime Minister Michal described as Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe. Officials said the move is intended to reduce security risks and send a message that attacks on Estonia's defence capabilities are unacceptable.

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Sources

• france24.com: Estonia to close Russian border crossings after 'sabotage' attempt at drone factory - France 24
• news.err.ee: Estonia to close border crossings with Russia after GRU-linked sabotage attacks | News | ERR

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.