Estonia accuses Russian services of ordering the arson of a defense company in Tallinn

The Estonian government states that the fire that broke out in August at the premises of the defense company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services. The statement was made by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna amid concerns about the intensification of Moscow’s hybrid operations in NATO states.

The fire occurred in the Lasnamäe district, and emergency services managed to extinguish it quickly. No one was injured or placed in danger. Three suspects were detained in Latvia a few days later and handed over to the Estonian authorities on September 17–18.

Milrem Robotics produces robotic systems and THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles, which are also supplied to Ukraine. Estonia is due to summon Russia’s diplomatic representative on September 29 and warns that it reserves the right to respond to hostile actions. Tallinn and its allies are preparing new sanctions and travel restrictions for Russian citizens.