Estonia Holds Russia Accountable for Arson at Defence Firm

Tue Sep 29 2026 19:40:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

After an arson attack on Milrem Robotics, Estonia accuses Russian special forces of sabotage, sparking renewed calls for unified European defence.

Estonian authorities have blamed Russia for setting fire to the headquarters of Milrem Robotics in Tallinn, a company that supplies unmanned vehicles to Ukraine. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the attack was ordered by Russian special services, a claim that Moscow denies. Officials say three Latvian nationals, linked to Russia, were arrested and extradited to Estonia to face charges. The incident follows a string of suspected Russian‑linked sabotage across Europe, raising concerns over the safety of defence contractors. European leaders, including French President Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, have condemned the attacks and pledged continued support for Ukraine.

Estonia Holds Russia Accountable for Arson at Defence Firm

Russia was behind an arson attack on an Estonian defence company in the capital Tallinn last month, authorities say.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal told parliament the blaze at Milrem Robotics – which supplies Ukraine with unmanned vehicles – was ordered by Russian special services, though he gave no further details.

Moscow denies involvement in a series of sabotage incidents across NATO countries that have assisted Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, but the Estonian internal security service, Kapo, says it can confirm casualties were inflicted by Russian organisers.

Security chief Margo Palloson said “Russia is constantly planning, looking for opportunities, and using people who carry out attacks”, and that the latest arson was the first successful attack this year.

Three Latvian suspects, formerly living in Russia, were arrested in Latvia and extradited to Estonia. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said they carried out the act of sabotage, which he described as part of a broader campaign to intimidate the region and weaken support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the escalation, noting similar incidents such as a drone attack near Ukrainian cargo in Leipzig. He warned Russia that unity among European allies would not waver.

An EU spokesman affirmed the bloc would not suspend aid to Ukraine, while NATO chief Mark Rutte urged calm and continuity of support, emphasizing Russia’s failure to undermine alliance resolve.

In August alone, suspected Russian involvement appeared in attacks across Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovakia and Poland, underscoring the urgency of coordinated security measures.