Estonian officials announced on Tuesday their determination that the arson attack targeting a defense company supplying military vehicles to Ukraine was an act of sabotage orchestrated by Russian security services. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the incident as unacceptable and summoned Russia’s charge d’affaires in Tallinn to address the matter.
The fire occurred on August 15 at a facility in Tallinn operated by Milrem Robotics, a defense company providing THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. Following the incident, two Latvian suspects were apprehended in Latvia on August 17, with a third suspect detained the following day and transferred to Estonian authorities.
The Estonian Internal Security Service concluded that the arson attack was a deliberate and premeditated act instigated by Russian security services, aligning with similar sabotage activities linked to Russia across Europe. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized Estonia’s resilience against intimidation tactics.
In response to the accusations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking evidence. Western officials have accused Moscow of engaging in a campaign of sabotage and disruption aimed at destabilizing European nations and undermining support for Ukraine. The Associated Press has documented approximately 200 incidents of alleged Russian sabotage across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Recent incidents, including a drone attack attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, have raised concerns about escalating Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Estonia and underscored the need for unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian hostilities.