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Estonia to close border with Russia after ‘sabotage attack’ on defense firm
POLITICO.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Estonia will close all border crossing points with Russia starting December 1, following an attempted arson attack on an Estonian drone manufacturer, Threod Systems, which authorities attribute to Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU.
- Intruders tried to set fire and cause an explosion at Threod Systems in Viimsi early Saturday, but security staff prevented significant damage; eight suspects from Latvia were detained, with five in custody.
- Estonia's Internal Security Service (KAPO) confirmed intelligence indicating the GRU ordered the sabotage, part of a broader Russian hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing Europe and undermining support for Ukraine.
- This incident follows a similar August arson attack on Milrem Robotics, another defense supplier to Ukraine, which Estonia also blamed on Russian intelligence.
- Estonian leaders emphasized that hostile actions will have consequences and vowed not to be intimidated, while investigations into the latest attack continue; the Russian Foreign Ministry has been contacted for comment.
