Estonia will close border crossings with Russia from December

Reaction to arson attack Estonia closes border crossings to Russia As of: November 15, 2026 • 5:52 p.m

Estonia supports Ukraine in the fight against Russia - including with drones. A drone factory was attacked over the weekend, according to Estonia by Russian agents. Estonia is now closing its three border crossings with its neighboring country.

Estonia will close its border crossings with Russia on December 1st. The government in Tallinn made this decision after an attempted arson attack on the building of the drone manufacturer Threod Systems. The company produces reconnaissance and combat drones, which are also delivered to Ukraine, among other countries.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal wrote in the online service X about a sabotage attempt ordered by the Russian secret service GRU. Thanks to stricter security measures and the “quick reaction of the law enforcement officers,” major damage to the facility could have been prevented. Closing the border crossings will reduce the “threat to the Estonian population”. Michal emphasized: “We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated.”

There are three border crossings open to pedestrian and freight traffic between the two countries: in Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote at Russia must recognize that hostile actions against Estonia “have consequences.” The minister did not provide any information about the duration of the border closure or a possible time limit.

According to Attorney General Astrid Asi, several perpetrators tried to set fire to the factory in Viimsi, north of the capital Tallinn, on Saturday night. Eight suspects were arrested.

Security chief Margo Palloson said: "Our assessment is that the company would have suffered significant damage if the attack had proceeded as the attackers planned."

According to the latest findings, Russia was behind an arson attack on a defense company in Tallinn in August. more

Prime Minister Michal condemned the incident "as part of the broader hybrid war that Russia is waging against Europe to reduce support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia."

According to the government in Tallinn, an arson attack on the arms manufacturer Milrem Robotics in Estonia was carried out on Russian orders in August. The company develops unmanned military systems that have also been used in Ukraine since 2022.

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | Estonia will close border crossings with Russia from December 1st | 11/15/2026 | 5:47 p.m., Bayern 2 | News | 11/15/2026 | 6:00 p.m