Estonia Considers Closing Russian Border After Attempted Attack on Drone Maker
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the government is weighing closing the border with Russia after a Russian intelligence-organised attempt to attack the drone manufacturer Threod Systems. Eight Latvian nationals have been detained in connection with the case.
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Estonia is considering closing its border with Russia following an attempted attack on the drone manufacturer Threod Systems. Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced this on Sunday, 15 November, saying he is discussing the issue with Interior Minister Igor Taro.
Overnight into Saturday, an attempt was made to attack the company's building in Viimsi, aiming to cause an explosion and set the premises on fire. No one was hurt, and the company's production and delivery capacity has not been affected. Officers of the Estonian Internal Security Service (KaPo) and the Police and Border Guard Board have detained eight Latvian nationals. Prosecutors have asked a court to issue arrest warrants for five of the suspects.
Attack ordered by GRU
KaPo said the attempt was carried out on the orders of Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU. The suspects are residents of Latvia, and the investigation is being conducted in close cooperation with Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) and the Latvian prosecutor's office.
Michal's explanation
"If Russia continues its hybrid operations in Estonia, and we know that Russian intelligence services use border crossings to influence people, we must be ready to reduce our risks," Michal said. In his words, closing the border would lessen threats to residents and send a clear message that attacks on Estonia's defence industry are unacceptable.
The prime minister said defence companies had been warned about the possible threat both before and after the sabotage against Milrem Robotics made public in September. The companies were given advice on improving security, and Threod Systems took those recommendations into account. In September, KaPo announced that the arson attempt against Milrem Robotics in August was a sabotage act commissioned by Russian intelligence services.
Michal noted that besides sabotage, Russia uses cyberattacks and information manipulation, seeking to increase public uncertainty, divide Western countries and weaken their willingness to support Ukraine. "Estonia is safe. We will not let ourselves be intimidated," he said.
