Estonia will close its border crossings with Russia after what it says is clear evidence that Moscow ordered a sabotage attack against a defence company. The move follows an incident in the early hours of Saturday when eight Latvians were arrested after an attempt to start a fire at a Threod Systems building in Viimsi, near Tallinn.
Attack linked to Russian military intelligence
Estonia's foreign minister said Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, was behind the attack and announced that all Estonian-Russian border crossing points will close as of December 1.
Margus Tsahkna wrote on X: "Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered.
"Closing the border crossings will reduce Russia's ability to conduct hostile activities in Estonia and strengthen our efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention."
Three crossings affected
Estonia has three open border crossings with Russia, in Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, which admit pedestrians and freight goods.
Describing the "sabotage attempt", Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal said "extensive damage was averted" due to heightened security at Threod Systems. He added: "This is part of Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia. We will not be intimidated."
No injuries reported
According to ERR, the attack was intended to cause an explosion at the defence company and set the building alight. No one was injured, and the company's production and delivery capabilities were unaffected.
