Estonia says Russia ordered arson attack on defense company supplying Ukraine
Estonian security authorities say Russian intelligence services ordered an August arson attack on a Tallinn facility used by defense company Milrem Robotics, which supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine.
Estonia's Internal Security Service, known as Kapo, said on Sept. 29 that it had reached the conclusion after a thorough assessment of information gathered in the case.
"Today, we can say with full confidence that the arson attack on Milrem in Estonia on the night of Aug. 15 was an act of sabotage commissioned by the Russian Federation's intelligence services," Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.
A criminal investigation into the exact circumstances of the attack is continuing.
The fire broke out at a building used by Milrem Robotics in Tallinn's Lasnamäe district.
Emergency services quickly brought it under control, and no lives were endangered.
Three Latvian citizens suspected of directly carrying out the attack were arrested in Latvia on Aug. 17 and 18.
Searches of locations connected to the suspects uncovered numerous data storage devices and items that may have been used in the arson attack, according to Estonian authorities.
Latvia extradited the three suspects to Estonia on Sept. 17 and 18. They remain in custody.
Kapo Director General Margo Palloson said Russian intelligence services continue efforts to recruit people and conduct influence operations in Europe, including for acts of sabotage.
He warned that defense companies and organizations involved in supporting Ukraine face an elevated threat and urged them to strengthen both physical and cybersecurity measures.
Michal described the attack as part of a broader Russian campaign in Europe aimed at intimidating countries into reducing their support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia.
Estonia's Foreign Ministry said it would summon Russia's chargé d'affaires on Sept. 29 over the case. Milrem Robotics produces the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle and supplies the systems to Ukraine in cooperation with European Union countries.
The company opened a production line in the Netherlands in June, where the Dutch government is financing an additional 100 vehicles for the Ukrainian military.