Estonia to shut three Russian border crossings after alleged plot against drone firm

Developing story first seen 1 hour ago

The Guardian · 1 hour ago

Estonia says it will close all three border crossings with Russia from 1 December after authorities alleged Russian military intelligence ordered an attempted attack on a defence company. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the closure is intended to reduce the risk of further attacks and show that threats against Estonia’s defence industry will have consequences.

Eight people were detained on Saturday over the suspected plot against Threod Systems, a maker of long-range attack and reconnaissance drones; no injuries or damage were reported. Authorities say the attackers aimed to cause an explosion and set fire to the building, and have sought continued custody for five detainees. Estonia has not said how long the crossings will be closed; the case follows an August arson attack on another defence firm that authorities also linked to Russian special services, a claim the Kremlin denied.

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In short

Estonia plans to close its three Russian border crossings from 1 December.
Eight people were detained over an alleged plot against a drone maker.
Authorities say the suspected attack was ordered by Russia’s GRU.

How this story developed

22 minutes ago Estonia confirmed the planned closures but gave no end date, while reporting that the suspected Threod Systems plot caused no injuries or damage; authorities linked it to Russian military intelligence, as they had an August arson attack on another defence firm, allegations the Kremlin denied.
28 minutes ago Estonia announced that all three border crossings with Russia would close from 1 December after authorities alleged Russian military intelligence had ordered a plot to attack drone maker Threod Systems, for which eight people were detained and five were the subject of custody applications.