Russia responsible for Milrem arson attack - Estonian PM

TALLINN - Based on security intelligence gathered by the Internal Security Service, there is every reason to state with full certainty that the arson of the defense industry company Milrem's building in Lasnamae on the night of August 15 was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation.

"Today, we can state with full certainty that the arson attack on Milrem in Estonia on the night of August 15 was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation. The Internal Security Service has reached this conclusion after a thorough assessment of the information gathered," said Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

According to the prime minister, this act of sabotage is part of Russia's broader campaign in Europe, aimed at intimidating us and forcing us to reduce support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. "Such activity is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible," said Michal, who believes it also demonstrates Moscow's growing desperation in a situation where Russia has failed to achieve the goals of its aggression against Ukraine.

At the same time, he affirmed, Estonia is strengthening its preparedness and internal security to counter such Russian activities. "The Estonian state is capable of protecting its security," the prime minister said. "Due to its strong security and law enforcement agencies, Estonia is an exceptionally difficult environment for the adversary to carry out such operations, and similar activities have been thwarted before. Russia cannot intimidate us or change our policy with such actions."

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna affirmed that Estonia's response will be the exact opposite of what Russia is trying to achieve. "Together with our allies and partners in Europe and beyond, we will increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions, and seek additional ways to restrict the travel of Russian citizens to Europe. We will also continue and strengthen our comprehensive support for Ukraine. Russia's attempts to intimidate us will not diminish our resolve - they will only strengthen it."

According to Margo Palloson, director general of the Internal Security Service (KAPO), the threat of provocations and sabotage attempts originating from Russia persists. "Russian special services continue their recruitment and influence attempts in Europe, including for the purpose of committing sabotage. Organizations and defense industry companies contributing to the support of Ukraine are at heightened risk. The Internal Security Service advises them to strengthen physical and cyber defense measures," Palloson said.

"Estonian security authorities are closely monitoring Russia's activities and are working closely with both Estonian companies and international partners on prevention," Palloson added. "Estonia is a safe country, and our goal is to ensure it remains so."

The criminal investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the event is ongoing, but preliminary information gathered in the criminal proceedings so far also points to a contract job. The suspects directly involved in the arson have been apprehended, taken into custody and no longer pose a threat.

On the night of August 15, a fire broke out in a building used by the defense industry company Milrem Robotics on Betooni Street in Tallinn's Lasnamae district. The incident was responded to immediately, and the fire was quickly brought under control. No lives were in danger. On August 17, two Latvian citizens suspected of the arson were detained in Latvia. A third was detained on August 18. During searches of properties connected to the individuals in Latvia, numerous data carriers and items that could have been used to set the fire were seized.

On September 17-18, Latvia handed over the three suspects to Estonia.

The defense company Milrem Robotics, in cooperation with European Union countries, supplies THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine.