Estonia to Close Border Crossings With Russia After Drone Factory Sabotage Attempt

Estonia will close all of its border crossing points with Russia starting on December 1, following an attempted arson attack at a domestic military drone manufacturing facility. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the upcoming border closure, citing evidence that Russian military intelligence ordered the raid. The targeted plant, belonging to defense producer Threod Systems, is located in Viimsi, just north of Tallinn.

According to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the operation took place on Saturday night and was thwarted before extensive damage could occur. Law enforcement officials arrested eight individuals in connection with the incident. Chief Prosecutor Astrid Asi told reporters that the suspects detained during the police operation reside in neighboring Latvia.

Threod Systems specializes in the manufacture of both reconnaissance and attack drones for defense purposes. Michal described the incident as part of a broader attempt by Russian intelligence to weaken European support for Ukraine. The event follows a similar security incident in August, when another Tallinn-based defense subcontractor, Milrem, was the target of an attempted arson attack that likewise led to the arrest of Latvian nationals.

Foreign Minister Tsahkna confirmed that he had briefed his counterparts in Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania regarding the government's decision to seal the border crossings. Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences, Tsahkna stated on social media following the announcement. Russian authorities have not commented on the border closure or the allegations regarding the attack.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com