This Sunday, the government of Estonia announced that it will close its border with Russia on December 1, following an alleged sabotage attempt at a military materials factory.
According to information from the authorities, it would be a thwarted attack by Russian military intelligence (GRU) against a drone factory.
"After obtaining clear evidence that the Russian military intelligence service GRU ordered an act of sabotage against an Estonian defense industry company, Estonia will close all border crossings on the Estonian-Russian border as of December 1," said Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, on his X profile.
He added: "I have informed my counterparts from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania of this decision."
On the other hand, Tsahkna explained that "Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia have consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilize, or undermine our security will not go unanswered."
Detentions and previous border closures
Earlier, Estonia's Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, had announced that the government was going to study closing the border, one of the few through which it is still possible to travel between Russia and the European Union by land. The decision was made after the Prosecutor's Office and security services attributed the attack on a factory on the outskirts of Tallinn to Russian espionage.
In that context, eight individuals...
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WorldAuthorities reported that it was a thwarted attack by Russian military intelligence (GRU) against a drone factory. Estonia announces closure of border with Russia following report of attempted sabotage at military factory CommentsThis Sunday, the government of Estonia announced that it will close its border with Russia on December 1, following an alleged sabotage attempt at a military materials factory. According to information from the authorities, it was a thwarted attack by Russian military intelligence (GRU) against a drone factory."After obtaining clear evidence that the Russian military intelligence service GRU ordered an act of sabotage against an Estonian defense industry company, Estonia will close all border crossings on the Estonian-Russian border as of December 1," said Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, on his X profile. Estonia announces closure of border with Russia following report of attempted sabotage at military factory He added: "I have informed my counterparts from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania of this decision." Furthermore, Tsahkna explained that "Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia have consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilize, or undermine our security will not go unanswered." Detentions and previous border closuresSome time earlier, Estonia's Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, had announced that the government would study closing the border, one of the few through which it is still possible to travel between Russia and the European Union by land. The decision was made after the Prosecutor's Office and security services attributed the attack on a factory on the outskirts of Tallinn to Russian espionage. Estonia announces closure of border with Russia following report of attempted sabotage at military factory. In the image, Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal. In this context, eight individuals were detained for their alleged connection to the attack, which did not affect the operation of the Threod Systems factory, as it was thwarted by the company's security personnel. The company produces, among other things, reconnaissance and attack drones. As of today, there are three crossings open between the two countries: Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula. In parallel, Finland closed its own border with Russia in 2023, so the only land borders through which one can travel to Russia from the European Union that remain operational are those of Estonia and Latvia. More on:RussiaEstoniaBorderAttackEastern Europe