Estonia has announced plans to close all its border crossings with Russia from December 1, accusing the government of President Vladimir Putin of orchestrating an attempted attack on Threod Systems, a drone manufacturing company in the Baltic country.
The incident reportedly caused no injuries or damage after the company’s security personnel responded to the attempted attack.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the decision to shut the borders was necessary to prevent further hostile activities and demonstrate that the country would not tolerate attacks on its defence industry and military capabilities.
Michal suggested that Russia’s actions against Estonia could be linked to the country’s continued support for Ukraine and its alliance with Kyiv.
“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,” he said.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, announced the decision in a statement on Sunday, following the arrest of eight people on Saturday over an alleged arson attempt targeting the defence company, which produces long-range attack and reconnaissance drones.
Tsahkna alleged that Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, directed the attempted sabotage against the Estonian company.
He said the closure of all border crossing points from December 1 would serve as a consequence for Russia’s hostile actions and limit its ability to carry out further activities within Estonia.
The foreign minister added that the measure would also strengthen efforts to prevent the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia.
Meanwhile, Estonian authorities have approached the court to secure detention orders for five of the eight suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
Estonia, a member of both the European Union and NATO and a staunch supporter of Ukraine, currently has three operational border crossings with Russia: Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula.
