In brief
Estonia has blamed Russian special services for a recent arson attack on Milrem Robotics, a defence firm supplying Ukraine with unmanned vehicles. The blaze, carried out on 14‑15 August, is part of a pattern of alleged sabotage across Europe. Authorities say Latvian nationals linked to Russia carried out the attack, and the incident underscores growing tensions as Ukraine, NATO and EU allies confront hybrid warfare. Western leaders, including France and the EU, condemned the actions, asserting that they will not deter continued support for Kyiv. This comes amid accusations of similar attacks in Germany, Italy, Poland and other countries.
Estonia says Russian special services ordered the arson attack on Milrem Robotics, a defence company that supplies unmanned vehicles to Ukraine.
The attack on the firm’s Tallinn premises occurred overnight on 14‑15 August, the Estonian Interior Ministry’s Internal Security Service (Kapo) confirmed. Police arrested three Latvian suspects who had lived in Russia and had previously been linked to similar incidents; extradition to Estonia took place earlier this month.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal summed up the government’s stance, calling the sabotage “an act of a hostile state actor” and warning that it is part of a broader campaign aimed at intimidating Europe’s support for Ukraine.
Russia has consistently denied responsibility for the blaze, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the charges “baseless” and “without any evidence.”
The incident joins a string of alleged Russian‑linked sabotage across Europe, including the 22 August Leipzig airport drone scare, a blaze at a Bulgarian defence firm, and bombs at a munitions plant near Rome.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks, describing them as “a dangerous escalation” that will not weaken the unified West’s commitment to Kyiv. An EU spokesperson reiterated that the bloc will not cease backing Ukraine despite such hostile acts.
NATO chief Mark Rutte urged European governments to stay calm and maintain solidarity, noting Russia’s failed attempts to undermine collective resolve and sustain its military efforts in Ukraine.
