Estonia blames Russia for arson attack on defense company

NATO and EU leaders rallied behind Estonia on Tuesday, after the Baltic country accused Russia of being behind an arson attack in its capital Tallinn.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Moscow was found responsible for the August 15 arson attack against defense company Milrem Robotics, after the government conducted an investigation into the incident.

Milrem Robotics develops ground drones that are used in Ukraine .

"We can conclude with certainty that the arson attack... was an act of sabotage ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation," Tsahkna said on X, adding that the perpetrators had been arrested, and Russia's ambassador had been summoned.

"This act of sabotage is part of Russia's broader campaign across Europe , aimed at intimidating us and weakening our support for Ukraine," Tsahkna said.

NATO chief Mark Rutte backed Estonia, accusing Russia of furthering "its reckless campaign of hostile actions against NATO allies."

Rutte also said Russia was "failing on the battlefield in Ukraine " while also failing to undermine NATO's unity.

Estonia, an EU and NATO member, has a population of 1.3 million and borders Russia to the east .

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