Estonia said on Tuesday that an arson attack at defence company Milrem Robotics in August was caused by Russian security services, escalating concerns over alleged Russian sabotage activities in Europe.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the conclusion was based on information gathered by Estonia’s Internal Security Service, KAPO.
Milrem Robotics supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. The August fire did not disrupt the company’s deliveries to the country.
Estonia did not disclose the evidence supporting its conclusion, citing the confidential nature of security service information. It said the incident was consistent with other acts of sabotage allegedly carried out on behalf of Russia in Europe.
The Kremlin rejected the accusation, describing the claim that Russia was behind the attack as unfounded and saying it would not take such allegations seriously.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the case as “extremely serious” and said Sweden fully supported Estonia.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns among European countries over alleged Russian sabotage and other covert activities since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
