Estonia will close its border crossings with Russia after an attack on Threod Systems, a defence company that makes drones. Tallinn blames the attack on Moscow. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the decision on Sunday, a day after eight people were detained overnight in connection with an attempted arson attack on the firm.
Estonian authorities said the attacks had been ordered by Russia’s GRU military intelligence. There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Tsahkna did not say how long the closure would last. Estonia, a European Union and NATO member and a strong ally of Ukraine, currently has three open crossings with Russia, at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula.
Tsahkna warns Russia of consequences for hostile acts
In a post on X, Tsahkna wrote that Russia must understand hostile actions against Estonia carry consequences. He said attempts to intimidate, destabilise or undermine Estonia’s security would not go unanswered.
He argued that closing the crossings would reduce Russia’s ability to carry out hostile activities in Estonia. He also said it would strengthen efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention.
Latvian arrests and Estonian calls for tougher measures
Latvia’s Interior Minister Janis Dombrava thanked Estonia’s Internal Security Service on X for the arrests of several Latvian citizens and non-citizens. He said some people were willing to commit serious crimes in Russia’s interests and vowed to keep working to stop them.
Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the arrests showed Estonia was prepared to respond swiftly. He warned that Russia’s campaign should not remain only a matter of diplomatic protests. Mihkelson called on European countries to adopt asymmetric measures of their own, with border closures being one such step.
