Estonia has announced that it will close all of its border crossing points with Russia beginning on December 1. The decision was made by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on Sunday, in response to what Tallinn describes as a suspected sabotage attack carried out by Russian military intelligence against an Estonian defence company.
The closure follows an attempted arson attack on the drone manufacturer Threod Systems. The Estonian government stated that the Russian military intelligence agency, known as the GRU, ordered the operation. The incident occurred on Saturday night in the town of Viimsi, which is located north of the capital, Tallinn.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed the details of the incident on Sunday. He stated that the GRU had directed a sabotage attempt at Threod Systems. According to Michal, significant damage was avoided due to heightened security protocols and the rapid response of law enforcement agencies. He noted that the individuals responsible for the attack have since been detained.
Foreign Minister Tsahkna cited clear evidence that the GRU ordered the strike. He emphasized that Russia must recognize that hostile actions against Estonia will have consequences. Tsahkna declared that attempts to intimidate, destabilize, or undermine the nation's security would not remain unanswered.
The chief prosecutor, Astrid Asi, provided further details regarding the arrests. She told journalists that security forces had arrested eight individuals. All eight of the suspects are residents of Latvia.
Prime Minister Michal characterized the incident as part of a broader hybrid war waged by Russia against Europe. He explained that the aim of such actions is to decrease support for Ukraine and to apply pressure on Russia. Michal asserted that Estonia would not be intimidated by these tactics.
The company targeted in the attack, Threod Systems, is known for manufacturing reconnaissance and attack drones. This incident follows a similar event in August, when the defence subcontractor Milrem, also based in Tallinn, was targeted in an attempted arson attack. In that previous case, Latvian nationals were also arrested.
Estonian officials have communicated the decision to close the borders to their regional neighbors. Minister Tsahkna said he informed his counterparts from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania of the move. The border closures represent a significant shift in the country's approach to cross-border traffic with its eastern neighbor.
The timing of the closure, set for the first day of December, allows for a brief period before the changes take effect. The move is expected to impact the flow of people and goods between the two countries, marking one of the most significant border policy changes in recent years between the two states.
The Estonian government maintains that the security measures implemented in the wake of the attack have proven effective. The quick reaction by local police and security services is credited with preventing extensive damage to the drone factory. The detention of the suspects is seen as a key step in understanding the full scope of the operation and the intelligence behind it.
