In a press release, the Estonian government stated that, based on intelligence, it can be confidently asserted that the attack on the Milrem defense company building in Tallinn on the 15th of August was an act of sabotage orchestrated by Russia, reports ERR News.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS) reached this conclusion after a comprehensive assessment of the gathered information. According to Michal, the arson in Tallinn is part of a broader Russian campaign in Europe aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. He described such actions as completely unacceptable and irresponsible, adding that they demonstrate Moscow’s growing desperation at a time when Russia has failed to achieve its planned objectives in Ukraine.
Michal emphasized that the Estonian state is capable of safeguarding its security; thanks to Estonia’s robust security and law enforcement agencies, the country presents a challenging environment for adversaries to operate in. Similar activities have reportedly been thwarted before they could be carried out, and Russia will not succeed in intimidating Estonia. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed that Estonia’s reaction would be the exact opposite of what Russia expects. Together with allies in Europe and elsewhere, pressure on Russia will be intensified, stricter sanctions will be imposed, and additional ways to restrict the movement of Russian citizens across Europe will be sought. Support for Ukraine will also continue.
ISS Director General Margo Palloson noted that
the threat of Russian provocations and sabotage remains.
Russian intelligence services continue to recruit and influence individuals in Europe—including for the purpose of carrying out acts of sabotage—with the greatest threats directed at organizations supporting Ukraine and at companies in the defense sector. He added that Estonian security agencies are closely monitoring Russian activities and working with local businesses and international partners to prevent similar incidents. Estonia is a safe country, and the goal is to maintain that security.
The criminal investigation into the arson is ongoing, but information gathered so far indicates that the crime was commissioned. The individuals suspected of the arson have been arrested and pose no further threat. On the night of the 15ht of August, a fire broke out in a building used by Milrem Robotics in Tallinn. Emergency services responded immediately, and the fire was extinguished. There was no threat to human safety. On the 17th of August, two Latvian citizens were detained in Latvia on suspicion of arson, and a third suspect was detained on the 18th of August. Latvia extradited the suspects to Estonia on the 17th and the 18th of August.
Milrem Robotics supplies THeMIS ground robots to Ukraine.
Read also: Russian dictator tests NATO in the Arctic