Two Latvians and a Ukrainian detained over arson plot against Ukrainian drone maker's plant in Slovakia

Slovak authorities have detained three people — two Latvian citizens and one Ukrainian national — in connection with a planned arson attack on a factory operated by Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton in the east of the country. Reuters reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the regional prosecutor's office in Prešov.

One of the suspects, a 26-year-old Latvian citizen, was detained in Hamburg, Germany. According to German prosecutors, extradition proceedings to Slovakia are currently underway. Two other suspects — another Latvian and a Ukrainian — were detained directly in Slovakia. On Thursday, a local court ruled to keep them in custody for the duration of the investigation.

Slovak law enforcement said the suspects had acted on someone's orders but did not identify who was behind organizing the attack. A little-known group calling itself "Global Citizens Against War 1984" claimed responsibility for the attempted arson, sending a statement to Reuters demanding the release of the two detainees. Slovakia's Interior Ministry declined to comment on the group's claim.

Skyeton points to Russia

Skyeton itself said it is convinced Russia was behind the sabotage attempt. The company stated that Russia regularly tries to attack both its production facilities in Ukraine and its reputation, and that the recent attempted attack on its Slovak plant is further proof that Ukrainian defense manufacturers have become a genuine thorn in Russia's side. The company noted that its Slovak factory produces drones for Western markets, while its Ukrainian facilities are fully dedicated to supplying Ukraine's defense forces.

Earlier, on Tuesday, August 25, Slovak police reported having prevented a planned arson attack on a drone manufacturing plant in the eastern part of the country. During searches, investigators seized a large quantity of incendiary mixture, along with tools, mobile phones, a camera and a hand-drawn plan of the facility. According to investigators, around 70 people were present at the plant at the time the attack was planned, and potential damages could have reached tens of millions of euros.