Estonia has accused Russian security services of commissioning an arson attack on a building used by Milrem Robotics, a defense company whose unmanned ground vehicles are supplied to Ukraine. Moscow has denied the allegation.
The fire broke out overnight on August 15 at the company’s site in Tallinn and was quickly brought under control. Estonia’s Internal Security Service said on Tuesday that its investigation had concluded the attack was deliberate and planned, and attributed it to Russian security services. The agency said the method resembled other suspected acts of sabotage in Europe.
Three Latvian citizens were detained on suspicion of carrying out the arson. Latvian security authorities said they opened a criminal case shortly after the fire, while Estonian authorities continued investigating who directed the attack. The suspects’ detention does not by itself establish Russia’s involvement.
Milrem Robotics makes robotic and autonomous systems used in military operations, including vehicles deployed in Ukraine. The company previously said the incident had not disrupted its deliveries to Ukraine.
The accusation adds to concern in Estonia about threats to companies supporting Ukraine’s defense. Russia rejects Estonia’s conclusion, and the criminal investigation remains the process through which the attack and the suspects’ roles will be examined.
