Estonia to close Russian border crossings after 'sabotage' attempt at drone factory

NATO member Estonia announced on Sunday that it will close all of its road border crossings with Russia starting December 1, following an attempted sabotage attack on a defense company. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that authorities had "clear evidence" linking Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU, to the attack on Threod Systems, a drone and surveillance systems producer.

Tsahkna warned Russia that hostile actions against Estonia would come with consequences. The border closures aim to curb Russia's hostile activities in the country and deter attempts to circumvent sanctions. Estonian authorities discovered the suspects attempting to break into the company's premises in Viimsi, near Tallinn, on Saturday, with the intention of causing an explosion and fire.

Eight suspects were detained before significant damage occurred. Estonian Prime Minister Kristers Michal called the attack part of Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe, intended to weaken Western support for Ukraine and pressure on Moscow. Estonia has faced similar attacks on other defense companies, attributing them to Russian intelligence.

The closure of border crossings adds tension to ongoing U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which began on November 10 in Abu Dhabi. While the talks resulted in an agreement on a prisoner exchange, significant differences remain over territory and security arrangements.