Estonian authorities have attributed an arson attack on the headquarters of drone manufacturer Milrem Robotics in Tallinn to Russia, citing intelligence from the country’s security service. The incident occurred overnight between August 14 and 15 and targeted the company known for supplying unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine.

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the attack formed part of a broader campaign by Moscow aimed at undermining European support for Kyiv amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “Our response will be the opposite,” Tsahkna said, promising increased aid for Ukraine alongside heightened pressure on Russia.

Following the attack, three suspects from Latvia were detained by Latvian authorities and subsequently transferred to Estonian custody. As part of diplomatic measures, Russia’s ambassador to Estonia was summoned in Tallinn for consultations.

The Kremlin dismissed the accusations as unfounded and disconnected from reality. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian government, told reporters that such claims would not be taken seriously. Nonetheless, security analysts note a recent surge in hybrid operations by Moscow targeting NATO member states, seen as attempts to test the alliance’s cohesion.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack, asserting that Russia’s efforts to erode NATO unity and diminish support for Ukraine are failing both on the battlefield and diplomatically. Support for Estonia and Ukraine was echoed by several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who called the incident a “dangerous escalation” by Russia. Macron emphasized that Russia would not overcome European resolve to back Ukraine.

The European Commission also denounced the attack, with spokesperson Christian Wigand characterizing it as part of Russian attempts to intimidate Europe into withdrawing support for Kyiv, a strategy he said would not succeed. Baltic neighbors echoed this stance; Latvia expressed full solidarity with Estonia, while Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys noted Moscow’s clear involvement.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Estonia has frequently accused Moscow of carrying out provocations and has increased its defense spending accordingly. The country remains a steadfast ally of Ukraine. The arson attack in Tallinn is one of several suspected Moscow-backed covert operations in NATO countries in recent months, including incidents targeting facilities in Britain, Germany, and elsewhere in Estonia.