16.11.2026 00:42
Estonia, one of Europe's least populous and smallest countries by area, is preparing for a decision that will escalate tensions with Russia. The Tallinn government, which claims Moscow is behind the sabotage attempt targeting the country's most important defense industry company, is preparing to close the three land border crossings that remain open with Russia.
NATO and European Union member Estonia is further tightening border controls following security tensions with Russia. The Estonian government announced that it plans to close all land border crossings with Russia starting December 1, after an attempted sabotage attack on a defense industry company near the capital Tallinn.
Estonian authorities alleged that the attempted attack on the company Threod Systems on the morning of November 14 was directed by Russia's military intelligence service GRU. Eight Latvian citizens, said to be linked to the attempt, were detained.
PLAN TO USE EXPLOSIVES AND ARSON AGAINST DEFENSE COMPANY
The target of the sabotage attempt, Threod Systems, operates in the Viimsi area north of Estonia's capital, Tallinn. The company produces unmanned aerial vehicles for long-range reconnaissance and attack purposes.
According to Estonia's Internal Security Service KAPO, the suspects aimed to enter the company's facility, cause an explosion and set the building on fire. Thanks to the intervention of security officers and the rapid action of police forces, widespread damage was prevented.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the attack was carried out on the orders of Russia's military intelligence service GRU and argued that it was part of broader hybrid attacks against Europe.
THREE REMAINING LAND BORDER CROSSINGS WITH RUSSIA TO BE CLOSED
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that land border crossings with Russia will be closed starting December 1. The decision covers the country's Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula border crossings, which are still open with Russia.
Pedestrians and freight transport can pass through these crossings. Interior Minister Igor Taro reported that they will propose applying the closure to both pedestrians and vehicles.
The decision on whether the closure will be temporary or indefinite is expected to be considered by the government in the coming days. Estonian citizens in Russia and truck drivers will be given two weeks to return to their country.
“RUSSIA'S HOSTILE ACTIONS WILL HAVE A PRICE”
Foreign Minister Tsahkna stated that the border closure decision carries a clear message to Russia and said they will respond decisively to attempts that threaten Estonia's security.
Prime Minister Michal also stated that they will not allow their country to be intimidated, and asserted that Russia's aim is to intimidate Estonia, create hesitation and weaken its support for Ukraine.
“RUSSOPHOBIA” REACTION FROM MOSCOW
The Moscow administration, for its part, reacted to Estonia's accusations. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that if the border is indeed closed, it would be another example of “Russophobia.”
Russia had previously rejected accusations by European countries regarding sabotage activities.
SECOND SABOTAGE ATTEMPT IN ESTONIA
The incident targeting Threod Systems was recorded as the second arson attempt targeting defense industry companies in Estonia since August. In August, the company Milrem Robotics, operating in the capital Tallinn, had also been the target of a similar attack.
The Estonian government, following the recent incidents, gave a message of increasing the security of defense industry facilities and expanding measures against Russia-origin threats