Estonian Prime Minister Says Russia Behind Arson Attack On Defence Company In Tallinn

Reform.news Editorial Team · 29 September 2026, 11:55

https://reform.news/en/estonian-prime-minister-says-russia-behind-arson-attack-on-defence-company-in-tallinn/

Russia was behind the arson attack on defence company Milrem in Tallinn in August this year, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.

“Today, we can say with full confidence that the arson attack on Milrem, which took place 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 reached this conclusion after a thorough assessment of the information gathered,” he said, according to the Estonian government press service.

According to him, the sabotage is part of a broader campaign by Russian intelligence services aimed at reducing support for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia’s response would be the opposite of what Russia was seeking 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 Russian citizens’ travel 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,” Tsahkna said.

Estonia’s Foreign Ministry will summon Russia’s chargé d’affaires over the incident.

The arson attack on Milrem Robotics took place on August 15. In mid-September, Latvia handed over three suspects in the arson attack to Estonia. With court approval, the three Latvian citizens were remanded in custody.

Milrem Robotics develops THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles.