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Finance

Estonia says Russia ordered August arson attack on defence company

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 29, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: September 29, 2026

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Estonia Blames Russia for Arson Attack on Defence Firm Milrem Robotics

Estonian Authorities Accuse Russia of Orchestrating Milrem Robotics Arson

HELSINKI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Estonia said on Tuesday it had concluded that an August fire at Estonian defence company Milrem Robotics, a supplier of unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine, was caused by an arson attack commissioned by Russian security services.

Estonian Government's Findings

Prime Minister's Statement

• Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the conclusion was based on information gathered by Estonia's Internal Security Service KAPO

Confidentiality and Consistency with Other Sabotage

• Estonia did not disclose its evidence in the case, citing confidentiality of security services, but said the incident was consistent with other sabotage conducted on Russia's behalf in Europe

International Reactions

Russian Response

• The Kremlin denied the claim that Russia was behind the attack, calling the accusations unfounded and saying it would not take them seriously

Swedish Support

• Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the case was "extremely serious" and that Sweden stood fully behind the Baltic nation

Reporting and Editing

(Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki and Russia newsroom, editing by Terje Solsvik)

Key Takeaways

  • Estonia attributes the August arson at Milrem Robotics—a key UGV supplier to Ukraine—to Russian security services, per KAPO’s investigation. (prokuratuur.ee)
  • Three suspects were identified and detained in Latvia in connection with the arson; extradition proceedings to Estonia are underway. (news.err.ee)
  • The Kremlin denied involvement; Estonia framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of Russian-linked sabotage across Europe, with Sweden strongly backing Estonia. (easternflank.org)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Estonia conclude about the fire at Milrem Robotics?
Estonia concluded that the August fire at Milrem Robotics was an arson attack ordered by Russian security services.
Which company was targeted by the arson attack?
Milrem Robotics, an Estonian defence company and supplier of unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine, was targeted.
How did Estonia reach its conclusion about Russian involvement?
The conclusion was based on information gathered by Estonia's Internal Security Service (KAPO).
Did Russia respond to Estonia's accusations?
The Kremlin denied the accusations, calling them unfounded and not to be taken seriously.
What was Sweden's response to Estonia's claim?
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the case was extremely serious and expressed strong support for Estonia.

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