Estonia prepares to close Russia border after attempted arson attack

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform Party) on Sunday, 15 November, asked the government to prepare the necessary steps to close the country's eastern border with Russia. The move follows an attempt on Saturday morning, 14 November, to cause an explosion and start a fire at a property of Threod Systems in Viimsi, north of Tallinn. The company makes, among other things, long-range reconnaissance and attack drones. The border is likely to close in December.

What is known about the attack

Eight Latvian citizens were detained after trying to break into the company's property. Estonia's Internal Security Service (KAPO) assessed that the attack was ordered by Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU. The prime minister said extensive damage was avoided thanks to heightened security measures and a swift response by law enforcement.

In August, an arson attack was also carried out on Milrem Robotics, a company based in Tallinn.

Statements by Michal and Taro

Michal said Russian intelligence services exploit border crossings to influence people, so Estonia must be ready to reduce risks. In his view, closing the border would lessen the threat to people in Estonia and signal that attacks on the defence industry are unacceptable. He said Russia wants to frighten Estonia and weaken its support for Ukraine, while Estonia's response is the opposite.

Interior Minister Igor Taro (Eesti 200) said he will propose to the government next week that all road border crossings be closed to pedestrians and vehicles from the beginning of December. The government will decide at the end of the week whether the closure is temporary or indefinite.

What happens to the crossings

Estonia has three open crossings with Russia, at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, which admit pedestrians and freight. They operate 12 hours a day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Narva is especially busy in summer and around New Year, as it is one of the few land crossings in Europe still open to travellers since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Estonian residents who have travelled to Russia will be able to return home over the next two weeks, and truck drivers on the other side will also be able to come back in that period. After that, Taro said, the journey home could become long and complicated.