Estonia accuses Russia over arson at defence technology firm

Estonia has accused Russia of ordering an arson attack against Milrem Robotics, a defence company in Tallinn that develops ground drones used in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said an investigation had concluded that the August 15 fire was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services. He said those responsible had been arrested and that Russia’s ambassador had been summoned.

The fire broke out at a building used by Milrem Robotics. No injuries were reported. Three suspects were later detained in Latvia and transferred to Estonia this month, according to the Estonian government.

Tsahkna described the incident as part of a wider Russian campaign across Europe aimed at intimidating countries and weakening support for Ukraine. Estonia is a member of both NATO and the European Union and borders Russia. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte backed Estonia’s accusation and said Russia was continuing a reckless campaign of hostile actions against NATO allies.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged Germany’s full solidarity. The European Union said the attack would not deter its support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a dangerous escalation, while officials from Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden also condemned what they described as Russian hostile activity.

The Kremlin rejected Estonia’s findings. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the accusations baseless and said they had no connection with reality. The supplied material does not provide details about the suspects, the evidence cited by investigators or the legal proceedings against them.

It also does not report damage estimates from the fire or say whether Milrem’s operations were disrupted.