Estonia to close all border crossings with Russia after GRU-ordered sabotage attempt

Estonia will close all road border crossings with Russia from December 1st, following an attempted sabotage attack ordered by Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The decision comes after an attempted arson attack on Threod Systems, an Estonian company that manufactures reconnaissance and attack drones, on November 14th.

Russian military intelligence is alleged to have ordered the operation, making it the latest in a series of suspected Russian sabotage attempts targeting European security and defense infrastructure. Estonia has three border crossings with Russia - Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula. The closure aims to limit Russia's ability to conduct hostile activities within Estonia and prevent sanctions circumvention.

Eight Latvian citizens were detained in connection with the attack, which was thwarted by Threod Systems security personnel and Estonian law enforcement. Prime Minister Kristen Michal claimed the attack was meant to intimidate Estonia, weaken its resolve, and undermine support for Ukraine, part of Russia's broader hybrid warfare campaign against Europe.