Estonia: Russia behind arson attack on defense firm Milrem
Estonia's Internal Security Service has concluded that the August arson attack on defense contractor Milrem's building in Tallinn was sabotage commissioned by Russian special services. Suspects directly involved, including two Latvian citizens, have been arrested.
The Estonian government has announced that its Internal Security Service (ISS), after thoroughly assessing gathered information, can state with full confidence that the arson attack on Milrem Robotics' building in Tallinn's Lasnamäe district on the night of August 15 was an act of sabotage commissioned by Russian special services. Prime Minister Kristen Michal made the announcement.
According to the prime minister, the sabotage is part of a broader Russian campaign in Europe aimed at intimidating the continent into reducing support for Ukraine and easing pressure on Russia. Michal called the act unacceptable and said it reflects Moscow's growing desperation as Russia has failed to achieve its objectives in the war against Ukraine. He added that Estonia's security and law enforcement agencies make the country an exceptionally difficult environment for such operations, noting that similar plots have been thwarted before.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia's response would be the opposite of what Russia seeks to achieve: together with allies, Estonia will increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions, seek further restrictions on travel by Russian citizens to Europe, and strengthen support for Ukraine.
ISS Director General Margo Palloson said the threat of Russian-orchestrated provocations and sabotage attempts remains, as Russian special services continue trying to recruit and influence people in Europe. He noted that organizations supporting Ukraine and defense industry companies face heightened risk, and recommended stronger security measures.
The criminal investigation into the incident continues, but preliminary findings also point to a commissioned attack. The suspects believed to have directly carried out the arson have been detained and no longer pose a threat. On August 17, two Latvian citizens suspected of the attack were detained in Latvia, followed by a third suspect the next day. Searches linked to the suspects in Latvia yielded numerous data storage devices and items possibly used to start the fire. On September 17–18, Latvia extradited all three suspects to Estonia.
Milrem Robotics supplies THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine.
