Estonia Blames Russia for Milrem Arson, Vows Tougher Sanctions
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the August 15 blaze at Milrem was directed by Moscow. The statement, issued in a news release to state broadcaster, put the blame squarely on the Kremlin's security services.
"Today, we can state with full confidence that the arson attack on Milrem in Estonia on the night of August 15 was an act of sabotage commissioned by the special services of the Russian Federation," Prime Minister Kristen Michal said in a news release to a state broadcaster.
Michal said the finding rests on an investigation by the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS).
He reportedly framed the sabotage as one piece of a wider Russian campaign in Europe designed to intimidate the continent, erode backing for Ukraine and ease pressure on Moscow.
"Such activity is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible," Michal said.
"Our country is an exceptionally difficult environment for an adversary to conduct such operations and similar activities have also been prevented before they could be carried out. Russia will not intimidate us or change our policies through such actions," he added.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Tallinn's answer would be the reverse of what Russia intended.
"Together with our allies and partners in Europe and beyond, we will increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions and seek additional ways to restrict the travel of Russian citizens to Europe," Tsahkna reportedly said.
The criminal investigation is still under way, though preliminary information suggested the attack may have been commissioned.
The fire broke out at a building used by Milrem Robotics, which reportedly supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. No casualties were reported.
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