Estonia will close all border crossings with Russia from 1 December after a suspected sabotage attack on Threod Systems. The decision comes after eight people were detained on Saturday morning in an attempted attack on the drone maker, which operates in Estonia.
Kristen Michal said the closure was needed to reduce the risk of further attacks and would send a clear message that attacks on Estonia’s defence industry and defence capabilities were unacceptable. He also said, “We do not warn about these threats without reason. Preparedness matters, and this time it clearly paid off,” after the weekend arrests.
Estonia’s three crossings
Estonia operates three border crossings with Russia: Narva in the north, and Koidula and Luhamaa in the south. The closure covers all three, so travellers and freight moving across the Estonia–russia Border will face a full shutdown once the measure takes effect.
Kapo said the attack on Threod Systems was carried out “with the aim of causing an explosion and setting the building on fire.” No injuries or damage were reported after the company’s security team responded, and authorities requested a court order for five of those detained to remain in custody.
Moscow’s denial and Estonia’s warning
The episode is the second attempted attack on an Estonian defence firm that authorities have attributed to Russia. In August there was an arson attack at Milrem Robotics, and in September Kapo said it was confident that the August incident was a deliberate and pre-planned attack carried out on behalf of Russian special services.
The Kremlin denied any link to Russia over the August attack, even as Estonian authorities said they believed Russian special services were behind it. Margus Tsahkna said, “Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered.”
Michal also said, “Russia’s aim is to make us afraid, make us hesitate and weaken our support for Ukraine. Estonia’s response is the opposite. We will strengthen our security, work even more closely with businesses and our allies, increase pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine.” Estonia did not specify how long the closure would last, leaving the country’s three crossings shut until officials decide whether the security risk has eased.
