Estonian authorities have detained eight individuals in connection with an alleged arson attack on the defense technology firm Threod Systems, which officials say was directed by Russia’s GRU military intelligence. The attempted attack, carried out early Saturday at Threod Systems’ facility in Viimsi north of Tallinn, was intended to cause an explosion and set the building on fire.
In response, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that Estonia would close all border crossing points with Russia starting December 1, arguing that the move is necessary to reduce security risks posed by hybrid operations. “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,” Michal stated. He further emphasized that closing the border would reduce the threat to people in Estonia and send a clear message that attacks on the country’s defense industry and capabilities are unacceptable.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the closure underscores the consequences of hostile actions against the nation. He noted that Estonia, a NATO and EU member state and a strong supporter of Ukraine, currently has three open border crossings with Russia at Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula, which admit pedestrians and freight. Tsahkna did not specify how long the closure would last or whether an end date had been set.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the border closure as yet another demonstration of Russophobia, stating that if Estonia truly shuts its border, it fits into yet another bout of aggressive and unrestrained Russophobia. Moscow has regularly denied accusations of involvement in sabotage operations. Estonian officials maintain that the measures are a necessary defense against ongoing hybrid threats.