Estonia closes border to Russia after suspected drone factory arson

Estonia foiled an attempted Russian arson attack on a drone fractory, authorities said on Sunday, prompting the country to close all border crossings with its larger neighbor.

Prime Minister Karsten Michal said that Russia's GRU intelligence service had attempted to sabotage the Estonian defence company Threod Systems in Viimsi on Saturday night.

He said "extensive damage" had been averted after a response by law enforcement, who detained the suspected attackers.

"This is part of Russia's broader hybrid war against Europe, with the aim of decreasing support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia," Michal said.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Hours after the announcement, Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the country would close all border crossings with Russia by December 1.

"Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered," he said on social media.

"Closing the border crossings will reduce Russia's ability to conduct hostile activities in Estonia and strengthen our efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention."

Tsahkna said he informed his Finnish, Latvian, and Lithuanian counterparts of the decision.

Estonia has a number of border crossings with Russia, and has until now remained one of the few European Union member states that allowed crossings.