Russiaupdated 20m ago3 min read
Estonia Closes All Border Crossings With Russia After GRU-Linked Arson Attempt on Threod Systems
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Estonia will close all its border crossing points with Russia starting December 1. The attack targeted Threod Systems, a drone maker near Tallinn, via arson attempt.
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Border closure after Threod bid
Estonia announced it would close all its border posts with Russia starting December 1 after authorities attributed an arson attempt to Moscow, following a suspected sabotage attack on the drone maker Threod Systems. Estonian authorities detained eight people overnight Friday to Saturday on suspicion of attempting to set fire to Threod Systems, and Estonia said the attack was commissioned by the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence service. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, “Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia have consequences,” and the Estonian government kept three border posts open with Russia at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula for pedestrians and freight.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal reported the attack in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, and Attorney General Astrid Asi said the company’s security teams intervened and prevented the attack from succeeding. Moscow did not comment at once on Estonia’s accusations or on Estonia’s decision to close the border posts, and Russia has regularly denied accusations leveled by European authorities about involvement in sabotage operations.
Evidence, arrests, and GRU
Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) said the attempted arson and sabotage attack on Threod Systems was ordered by Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna set December 1 as the date for closing the border crossings. Attorney General Astrid Asi told journalists that security forces arrested eight individuals who live in Latvia, and Prosecutor General Astrid Asi said the events occurred in Viimsi shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday. Margo Palloson, head of the Estonian Police Board, said that counterintelligence services established the attack was coordinated by the Russian military intelligence or GRU, and he described it as “another attempt by Russia to organize an act of sabotage in Estonia.”
Prime Minister Kristen Michal framed the incident as part of “Russia’s broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia,” and he said Estonia would not be intimidated. The Prosecutor’s Office requested preventive measures for five of the eight detained, and it also announced detention in connection with a suspected sabotage attempt against a military materials factory in Viimsi, near Tallinn.
What the closure changes
Estonia said the border closure would reduce Russia’s ability to conduct hostile activities in Estonia and strengthen efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna linked the decision to “clear evidence” implicating the GRU. The Estonian Prosecutor General’s Office said it detained eight people in connection with the suspected sabotage attempt, and it requested preventive measures for five of them after Threod’s security personnel prevented the attempt from succeeding. Estonia kept three border crossings with Russia open at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, and the sources said vehicle crossing via Narva was suspended in February 2024 by Russia.
“Estonia will close all border crossings between Estonia and Russia as of December 1.”
Estonian authorities said the attack was thwarted and that production and delivery capabilities were unaffected, while the sources also said there was material damage to the building. Estonia said it had informed its Finnish, Latvian, and Lithuanian counterparts of the decision, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed that Estonia would take every necessary step to protect its security.