Estonia has accused Russia of being involved in the fire on August 15 at the Milrem Robotics defense company in its capital, Tallinn. Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, stated that following investigations, Moscow is responsible for this act of sabotage.
Details of the Fire and Its Consequences
Milrem Robotics develops ground drones that are used in the Ukraine war. Tsahkna stated, "We can confidently conclude that the fire was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation." He also added that the perpetrators of the fire have been arrested and the Russian ambassador has been summoned to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tsahkna noted that this act of sabotage is part of a broader Russian campaign across Europe aimed at intimidating European countries and undermining their support for Ukraine. He also referenced NATO and the European Union's support for Estonia, stating that these actions demonstrate the solidarity of allied countries.
International Reactions to the Fire
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, also expressed support for Estonia and accused Russia of expanding its "reckless campaign" against NATO allied countries. He added, "Russia is losing on the battlefield in Ukraine and is trying to undermine our solidarity and support for Ukraine."
The fire occurred on the night of August 15 in a building used by Milrem Robotics, and officials were immediately present at the scene. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries. Three suspects in connection with the fire were arrested in Latvia and then handed over to Estonia.
The Kremlin described reports regarding the fire investigation as "baseless" and "completely unrelated to reality." Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said, "We cannot and will not take such statements seriously."
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johan Wadephul, announced his full support for Estonia, stating, "Russia's reckless threats will not divide us. They only strengthen our resolve to bolster NATO's deterrence and support for Ukraine."
The European Commission also expressed support for Estonia, describing the fire as "recklessness" and emphasizing that this action will have no impact on the bloc's support for Ukraine. European Commission spokesperson, Christian Wigand, said, "Moscow is trying to intimidate Europe into reducing its support for Ukraine. This will never happen."
French President Emmanuel Macron called the fire a "dangerous escalation" by Russia, stating that this act represents an "increase in these hostile actions." He also emphasized that Russia must understand that it will not be able to undermine our solidarity or resolve to support Ukraine.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, also stated, "The fingerprints of Russia are clearly visible in this fire" and considered it evidence that Moscow's hostile activities extend beyond Ukraine's borders.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs responded to the incident by stating that "a request for more support for Ukraine is essential and must be provided." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also addressed the issue, stating that attributing this fire to Russia is very serious and is directed "against Europe as a whole."
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