In brief
Estonia’s government says Russian special services ordered the arson on Milrem Robotics, a company that supplies unmanned military vehicles to Ukraine. Security officials identified and arrested three Latvian suspects, linking them to Russia. The attack is part of a series of alleged sabotage incidents across Europe. EU and NATO leaders condemned the acts, pledging continued support for Ukraine. Russia denied involvement, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
Russia was behind an arson attack on an Estonian defence company in the capital Tallinn last month, authorities say.
Prime Minister Kristiine Michal told the press that the attack on Milrem Robotics—known for supplying unmanned machines to Ukraine—was ordered by Russian special services, though she offered no further details.
Moscow has been accused of orchestrating sabotage against a number of NATO allies that support Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. Russia denies these allegations and has publicly rejected Estonia’s claims, but EU members fasten solidarity with Estonia, asserting that such acts will not deter them from backing Ukraine.
The blaze struck Milrem’s plant on the night of 14‑15 August. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said internal security information confirmed that the incident “was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation.”
Security chief Margo Palloson told broadcaster ERR that Russia “has been planning and scouting opportunities, looking for people to carry out attacks,” noting that the arson marked Russia’s first successful operation this year.
Investigations revealed the perpetrator group consisted of Latvians who had previously lived in Russia; three suspects were arrested in Latvia and extradited to Estonia earlier this month.
Tsahkna warned that the sabotage was part of Russia’s larger campaign to intimidate European states and weaken their support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron called it a “dangerous escalation” that would only push Russia toward a dead‑end, echoing concerns from NATO leadership.
EU officials confirmed that the bloc would maintain its support for Ukraine, while NATO chief Mark Rutte urged European governments to stay calm and continue backing Ukraine against Russia’s reckless campaign.
Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusations as “baseless” and said they lack any foundation, reiterating Moscow’s longstanding denial of involvement.
