Estonia will close all three border crossings with Russia from December 1 following an attempted attack on a drone manufacturer that authorities have blamed on Russian military intelligence.
According to The Guardian, eight people were detained on Saturday after an alleged sabotage attempt targeting Threod Systems, an Estonian company producing military reconnaissance and attack drones.
Estonia’s internal security service said the suspects intended to cause an explosion and set the building on fire.
No injuries or damage were reported after the company’s security team intervened.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the border closures were necessary to prevent further attacks and strengthen national security.
“Russia’s aim is to make us afraid, make us hesitate and weaken our support for Ukraine. Estonia’s response is the opposite. We will strengthen our security, work even more closely with businesses and our allies, increase pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine,” Michal said.
The closures will affect the Narva, Koidula and Luhamaa crossings. Authorities have not announced when they will reopen.
The incident follows an August arson attack on Estonian defence company Milrem Robotics, which authorities also attributed to Russian intelligence.
Moscow previously denied involvement in that attack.
