Estonia says Russia responsible for arson attack against defense tech company
Estonia can say "with certainty" that the attack overnight on Aug. 15 "was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement shared with the Kyiv Independent.
On September 29, Estonia claimed Russian intelligence services were responsible for an arson attack on August 15 at Milrem defense contractor's building in Tallinn. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated this with certainty, adding that the attack was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services. NATO and EU members bordering Russia have been prime targets for such attacks, with Estonia being particularly challenging for Russia due to its security agencies' effectiveness in preventing similar acts.
Three suspects were detained in Latvia and handed over to Estonian authorities on September 17-18. Milrem Robotics, the targeted defense company, specializes in robotics and automated systems, supplying unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. Estonia, a NATO and EU member, has been a staunch ally of Ukraine during its war. The Foreign Ministry vowed to summon the Russian envoy and continue pressuring Russia through sanctions and restrictions on Russian citizens in Europe.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 7 other outlets
- Estonia Slams Russian ‘Sabotage’ After Arson Attack on Defense Company kyivpost.com
- Kremlin rejects Estonia’s claim of Russian role in arson at defense company working with Ukraine english.nv.ua
- ISS chief: Milrem arson was first successful Russian attack on Estonia this year news.err.ee
- Estonia slams Russian 'sabotage' after arson attack on defence company Milrem Robotics euronews.com
- Estonia establishes Russian involvement in arson attack on defense company ukrinform.net
- Estonia says Russia ordered August arson attack on defence company aljazeera.com
- Estonia slams Russian 'sabotage' after arson attack on defence company abc.net.au
