Estonia Foils Alleged Russian-Backed Arson Plot at Drone Factory, Closes Border Crossings

Estonian authorities said they foiled an attempted arson attack on a drone manufacturing facility and detained eight suspects, alleging that Russia's military intelligence service was behind the plot. The domestic intelligence agency KAPO said the suspects were held in an overnight operation targeting the plant operated by Estonian defense company Threod Systems.

According to KAPO, the aim was to cause an explosion and set the building alight, but law enforcement moved quickly to arrest those involved. The agency warned that anyone offered such work on behalf of Russia should expect severe consequences. All eight detainees reportedly came from neighboring Latvia, a fellow NATO member, and prosecutors have sought arrest warrants for five of them.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the rapid response of security forces prevented major damage to the facility. He described the incident as part of a wider hybrid campaign against Europe, which he said is intended to weaken support for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the hostile action would not go unanswered, stressing that Russia must understand such moves carry consequences. Estonia also announced that it will shut all of its border crossings with Russia starting December 1, a significant step for a small Baltic state that shares a long frontier with its eastern neighbor.

Russia did not immediately respond to the accusations or to the decision to close the crossings. The case highlights growing security concerns among NATO's eastern members over sabotage and other covert activities, and it places renewed attention on the protection of defense manufacturing sites across the alliance.