Estonia has attributed the arson attack that struck a building used in Tallinn by military robotics company Milrem Robotics on the night of August 14–15 to Russian intelligence services.
The conclusion was announced on September 29, 2026, following a six-week investigation by the Estonian Internal Security Service. According to the government, there is sufficient evidence to state «with complete certainty» that the attack was ordered by the services of the Russian Federation.
Moscow rejected the accusation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the Estonian statements as «groundless» and «entirely detached from reality».
Three Latvian citizens under investigation
The fire was spotted by several residents in the Lasnamäe district and was quickly contained. Estonian authorities had opened an investigation into suspected sabotage from the outset.
Two Latvian citizens were detained in Latvia on August 17, while a third suspect was arrested the following day. All were subsequently handed over to Estonia.
The source reports that the three suspects are believed to be Latvian citizens. No further details were provided regarding their alleged operational role or the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Following the attribution, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that the Russian chargé d’affaires would be summoned. Tallinn also intends to consult allies and partners on measures to be taken.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal called the use of sabotage to intimidate European countries and pressure them to reduce support for Ukraine «absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible».
Milrem manufactures THeMIS vehicles
Milrem Robotics manufactures the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle. More than 150 units are expected to be sent to Ukraine shortly with funding from the Dutch government.
An initial delivery of 15 vehicles was already supporting Ukrainian forces by October 2025. The Estonian company describes itself on its website as a global leader in autonomous unmanned ground vehicles.
Since 2023, a majority stake in Milrem has been held by EDGE Group, a state-owned company of the United Arab Emirates. The attack therefore targeted a company involved in producing systems also intended for Kyiv.
Tsahkna stated that Estonia, together with its European and international partners, intends to increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions, and consider further restrictions on Russian citizens traveling to Europe.
The minister also assured that Tallinn would continue and strengthen its support for Ukraine. This is an announced political response, separate from the judicial developments related to the fire.
Alert for companies linked to Kyiv
The director of the Estonian Internal Security Service, Margo Palloson, said that security services are closely monitoring Russian activities and working with Estonian companies and international partners to prevent further incidents.
According to Palloson, businesses and organizations involved in supporting Ukraine will continue to face a high threat level. Russia, he added, would continue recruiting and influencing people in Europe to carry out sabotage operations.
The Tallinn fire occurred ten days after two incidents at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle airport. A drone carrying explosives reportedly struck a Ukrainian cargo aircraft without detonating, while a second drone allegedly collided with a Boeing 757 in flight.
According to the source, German authorities have also linked these incidents to Russia. European officials view them as part of a growing series of sabotage and hostile actions below the threshold of open conflict against Western countries.
Another suspected fire in Munich
A similar case occurred on September 3 near the offices of Rohde & Schwarz and Helsing in Munich. Two Bulgarian nationals were arrested in connection with the fire.
The German news agency dts reported that authorities suspect the involvement of the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU. However, the source presents Russian responsibility as an investigative hypothesis.
In the Milrem case, Tallinn instead made an official attribution following an investigation by its internal security service. The Estonian position, which describes the incident as sabotage commissioned by Moscow, remains at odds with the Kremlin’s denial.
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