Estonia Says Russia Ordered Attempted Sabotage at Drone Maker Threod Systems
Estonia's Internal Security Service reports that an attack on the drone-producing company Threod Systems on 14 November, ordered by Russia, was foiled. The suspects were detained, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna says Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, was behind it.
Estonia's Internal Security Service has announced that at 03:06 on 14 November an attempt was made to attack the premises of Threod Systems, an Estonian defence industry company that manufactures drones. According to the service, the aim was to cause an explosion and set the building on fire. The suspects were quickly detained, and they allegedly tried to carry out the arson on orders from Russia.
The service advised people against even considering such job offers from Russia.
Foreign minister's assessment
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, was behind the failed sabotage attempt. He described it as another example of Russia using sabotage and coercion to destabilise societies, sow fear and divert attention from supporting Ukraine.
Tsahkna argued that the Kremlin is increasingly resorting to sabotage because of setbacks on the battlefield. He also said Ukraine's resilience and strategic momentum have clearly rattled Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The minister added that Estonia will keep intensifying pressure on Russia through sanctions, isolation and travel restrictions until it stops its aggression against Ukraine and accepts full accountability for its actions.
Similar cases in neighbouring countries
The source recalls that officers of Poland's Internal Security Agency detained two Ukrainian citizens suspected of espionage and sabotage on the orders of Russian secret services. Lithuania, for its part, expelled three Ukrainian nationals accused of carrying out tasks for "hostile" foreign intelligence services in return for money.
