Estonia Blames Russian Intelligence For Arson Attack On Defense Manufacturer
The accusation heightens diplomatic tensions across Europe as Baltic and Western leaders warn against Russian efforts to disrupt military assistance to Ukraine.
Estonian authorities announced Tuesday that an August arson attack on defense contractor Milrem Robotics was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian intelligence services.
The Estonian Internal Security Service determined the fire was pre-planned and directly attributable to Moscow. Officials stated that the method used in the operation matched other sabotage acts carried out across Europe on behalf of Russia.
Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze after it started overnight on Aug. 15 in the Lasnamäe district of Tallinn. Authorities reported that the incident caused no casualties and did not disrupt the manufacturing of military equipment.
Following the fire, law enforcement in neighboring Latvia arrested two suspects on Aug. 17 and a third suspect the following day. Latvian officials transferred all three suspects to Estonia for further legal proceedings.
Milrem Robotics manufactures the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle, an autonomous system used in Ukraine for casualty evacuation, logistics and combat operations. Western governments have funded deliveries of these vehicles to assist Ukrainian defensive efforts.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal declared that foreign interference would not intimidate the Baltic nation. He noted that intelligence findings confirmed Russian services commissioned the attack to undermine European backing for Kyiv.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the allegations. He said the accusations were unfounded, lacked evidence and failed to reflect reality.
Leaders from the European Union and NATO expressed support for Estonia following the announcement. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the situation serious and reaffirmed backing for Tallinn.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the Estonian government is summoning Russia's charge d'affaires in Tallinn to formally protest the hostile operation.
