Estonia will close all crossing points on its border with Russia from December 1 after Putin allegedly ordered a ‘sabotage’ attack.
The Baltic country said Russia’s military intelligence service tried to arson attack a drone factory but was thwarted by Estonian officials.
In response, Prime Minister Kristen Michal has called on his administration to make the ‘necessary steps’ to close the Eastern border with Russia.
He described yesterday’s attempted arson attack as ‘part of Russia’s broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia’.
Security forces arrested eight people on Saturday morning after the group allegedly tried to break into the Estonian defence company Threod Systems, which manufactures reconnaissance and attack drones.
The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) have said the GRU were behind the ‘sabotage attempt’ in Viimsi, north of the capital, Tallinn, with the suspects accused of attempting to set off an explosion and start a fire.
The eight arrested individuals live in Latvia, chief prosecutor Astrid Asi told journalists on Sunday. Five are reported to be remanded in custody.
‘Extensive damage was averted thanks to heightened security measures and a swift reaction by law enforcement. The attackers have been detained,’ Michal said.
Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal speaking to the media ahead of a meeting of the EU Council at the Convention Centre Dublin
‘We will not be intimidated,’ he said and earlier warned that they were considering border closures to ‘reduce the risks to our people and national security’.
The prime minister later said he had discussed the possibility of closing the three open border crossings in Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula with the interior minister Igor Taro.
These crossings admit pedestrians and freight goods, and are open from 7am to 7pm. The Narva crossing is particularly busy in summer and over the New Year as it is one of the only open land crossings in Europe since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Taro said that the closures to both pedestrians and vehicles would take place at the beginning of December, allowing Estonians currently in Russia to return home in the next two weeks.
Michal said: ‘If Russia continues its hybrid operations in Estonia, and we know that Russian intelligence services exploit border crossings to exert influence over people, we must be prepared to reduce the risks we face.
‘Closing the border would reduce the threat to people in Estonia and send a clear message that attacks on Estonia’s defence industry and defence capabilities are unacceptable.’
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna added: ‘Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered.’
Michal said the latest ‘sabotage’ attempt tried to ‘make us afraid, make us hesitate and weaken our support for Ukraine. Estonia’s response is the opposite.’
‘Estonia is safe and secure. Our state institutions are vigilant, and our people and businesses know how to respond. We will not be intimidated.’
This is the second reported Russian attempt to target Estonian defence manufacturers.
In August, the defence subcontractor Milrem, based in Tallinn, was targeted in an attempted arson and Latvian nationals were also arrested.
