Estonia plans to close Russia road crossings after attempted attack on drone maker

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the crossings would close on 1 December in response to an attempted attack on drone manufacturer Threod Systems, which Estonia’s security service attributes to Russian military intelligence.

But Interior Minister Igor Taro said he would propose the closure to the government, which would discuss whether it should be temporary or indefinite, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he had asked officials to prepare for a possible closure. The formal status of the decision remains unclear.

The planned measure would affect pedestrians and vehicles at Estonia’s three open road crossings with Russia: Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula. Taro said Estonian residents and lorry drivers who had travelled to Russia would have the next two weeks to return home. Estonia also has railway crossings with Russia.

Tsahkna said closing the crossings would reduce Russia’s ability to conduct hostile activities in Estonia and help prevent sanctions evasion.

Attempted attack on drone maker

Estonian authorities said an attempt was made early on 14 November to attack a Threod Systems building in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, with the aim of causing an explosion and setting it alight. Nobody was injured, and the company’s production and deliveries were unaffected, the government said.

Eight suspects, all residents of Latvia, were detained. Prosecutors have asked a court to remand five in custody. Estonia’s internal security service says the attempt was carried out on the orders of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.

Reuters reported that Moscow did not immediately comment on the accusation or the closure announcement. Russia has previously denied European accusations of involvement in sabotage.

Estonia’s security service also attributed an August arson attack on another defence company, Milrem Robotics, to Russian intelligence services.