OMM Redaksiyası
Estonia has blamed Russia for an arson attack on defense company “Milrem Robotics” last month, alleging that the incident was commissioned by Russian special 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 state broadcaster ERR, according to ERR.
Michal said the conclusion was based on an investigation by Estonia’s Internal Security Service. He described the incident as part of a Russian campaign in Europe intended to intimidate countries, reduce support for Ukraine and ease pressure on Moscow.
Estonia says Russia will not change its policies
“Such activity is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible,” Michal said.
He added that Estonia was a particularly difficult environment for an adversary to conduct such operations and that similar activities had previously been stopped before they could be carried out.
“Russia will not intimidate us or change our policies through such actions,” the prime minister said.
Officials pledge stronger pressure on Moscow
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia’s response would be the opposite 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 said, according to the statement.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing, while preliminary information indicates that the attack may have been commissioned.
The fire broke out at a building used by “Milrem Robotics”, which reportedly supplied unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. No casualties were reported.
