Estonian PM Blames Russia for Arson Attack, Vows Not to Be 'Intimidated'

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said his country "will not be intimidated" after attributing a recent arson attack to Russia, according to a live report from The Guardian.

Michal said the attack, which targeted Milrem Robotics, "was ordered by Russian special services." The Kremlin has denied involvement in the incident, according to the report, though no further detail on the nature of the denial was provided.

Milrem Robotics is an Estonian defense technology company known for developing unmanned ground vehicles used in military applications, making it a notable target given its role in the country's defense industry.

The report also cited NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who referenced a drone shot down in Lithuanian airspace by NATO fighter jets roughly two weeks earlier. Rutte said "the repeated drone incidents along our eastern flank showed the evolving nature of the threat," adding that the alliance is "strengthening our integrated air and missile defence" and "adapting and reinforcing our posture against drones."

The comments from both Michal and Rutte reflect heightened concern among NATO's eastern members over a series of incidents — including drone incursions and, in Estonia's case, an alleged arson attack — that officials have linked to Russia, though Moscow has denied responsibility in the Estonian case.

Neither the full scope of the investigation into the Milrem Robotics attack nor further details of NATO's air defense adjustments were specified in the available report.