Estonian law enforcement officials have said that a fire at the building of the defense industrial company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn in August was a deliberate act of sabotage organized on behalf of Russian special services. Estonia is summoning its chargé d'affaires in Russia over the incident.
Estonian law enforcement officials have said that a fire at the building of the defense industrial company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn in August was a deliberate act of sabotage organized on behalf of Russian special services. Estonia is summoning its chargé d'affaires in Russia over the incident.
According to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, information gathered during the criminal investigation confirms the ordered nature of the arson. He emphasized that this sabotage is part of a broader Russian campaign in Europe aimed at intimidation and pressure to reduce support for Ukraine. The Estonian Security Police Department (KAPO) reached similar conclusions after a thorough analysis of intelligence data in cooperation with international partners.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the ministry was summoning the chargé d'affaires of the Russian Federation over the incident. The suspects in the direct commission of the arson have now been detained: three people were arrested in Latvia and have already been handed over to the Estonian side for further investigative actions. During the searches, data carriers and objects likely used to carry out the attack were seized from them.
CAPO Director General Margot Palloson warned of the continuing threat of Russian provocations in Europe.
"Russian special services continue their attempts at recruitment and influence in Europe, in particular to carry out sabotage. Organizations and defense-industrial companies that contribute to supporting Ukraine are at increased risk. The Security Police Department recommends that they strengthen physical and cybersecurity measures," he stressed.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has already responded to the Estonian authorities' statements. He expressed full support for Estonia and emphasized that the goal of such attacks is to weaken European support for Ukraine, but this "will not work."
A fire broke out in the Milrem Robotics building in the Lasnamäe district of Tallinn on the night of August 15. The fire was quickly contained, there were no casualties, and the incident did not affect the company's production facilities. Milrem Robotics is known for developing robotic systems, including THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles, which are supplied to the Ukrainian military in cooperation with EU countries.
