Estonian officials confirm Russian intelligence ordered Milrem arson

Estonian officials said an August fire at the Milrem Robotics building in Tallinn was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services, and said the foreign ministry had summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires, Lenar Salimullin, over the attack. Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the findings after an investigation by Estonia's Internal Security Service, which they said left no doubt about Russian state involvement.

Milrem Robotics manufactures the THeMIS unmanned ground combat vehicle and supplies it to Ukraine in cooperation with European Union states, according to Current Time. No damage to the building was reported once the fire was extinguished.

Margo Palloson, director general of Estonia's Internal Security Service, said the arson was the first successful sabotage attack organised by Russian special services in Estonia this year, according to TVNET and Jauns.lv. He said Russia's intelligence services continue trying to recruit and influence people in Europe to carry out sabotage, and that defence companies and organisations supporting Ukraine face heightened risk.

The fire broke out during the night of 15 August in a building used by the defence manufacturer on Betooni Street in the Lasnamäe district, according to Õhtuleht. Emergency responders reached the scene quickly and brought the flames under control before they could spread further. No injuries or threats to human life occurred, according to official reports.

Latvian authorities detained three Latvian citizens suspected of direct involvement between 17 and 18 August, and searched locations connected to them, seizing data carriers and items allegedly used in the arson. Latvia handed the three suspects over to Estonia on 17 and 18 September to face criminal prosecution, Õhtuleht reported. Palloson said the suspects are in custody and no longer pose a danger to the public.

Michal described the act as part of a wider Russian campaign to intimidate European nations and weaken political and military support for Ukraine. Tsahkna said Estonia would deepen cooperation with allies to increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions and restrict travel for Russian citizens. French outlet Virgule reported that the European Union and NATO expressed solidarity with Estonia over the accusation.