Estonia investigates possible Russian link to fire at military robot maker
A fire broke out at premises used by the manufacturer of THeMIS ground robots, which Ukraine relies on for evacuation, resupply and mine clearance. Authorities are probing a possible Russian connection to the blaze.
A fire has broken out in Tallinn, Estonia, at premises used by the company that produces THeMIS ground combat robots. Ukraine's armed forces use these unmanned ground vehicles for several critical battlefield tasks, including evacuating wounded and fallen soldiers, resupplying troops with ammunition and other materials near the front line, and clearing mines.
Investigators are examining whether the fire may be linked to Russia. Such suspicions fit a broader pattern seen across Europe in recent times, where authorities have looked into possible Russian involvement in sabotage incidents targeting companies connected to Ukraine's defense supply chain.
The manufacturer of the THeMIS robots has become a significant contributor to Ukraine's military capabilities since Russia's full-scale invasion began, with the unmanned systems helping reduce risks to soldiers carrying out dangerous missions close to combat zones.
Further details about the circumstances of the fire, the extent of any damage, and the status of the investigation have not yet been made public. Estonian authorities are continuing to clarify what happened.
