Estonia plans to close all three of its road border crossings with Russia beginning December 1 following an attempted sabotage attack against an Estonian defense manufacturer that authorities attributed to Russian military intelligence. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the planned closure Sunday, saying the government would move to restrict cross-border travel in response to what officials described as an escalation of Russian hostile activities. The measure would affect crossings at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, effectively suspending road travel between Estonia and Russia for pedestrians, passenger vehicles and freight transport. The announcement marks a significant escalation in Estonia's security response to suspected Russian intelligence operations targeting critical infrastructure and defense-related businesses. Although the closure date has been announced, the government is still completing the formal approval process and has not determined how long the restrictions will remain in effect.

The decision follows an attempted arson attack early Saturday against Threod Systems, an Estonian defense technology company specializing in reconnaissance and attack drones, including systems supplied to Ukraine. Authorities said a group of suspects attempted to break into the company's facilities in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, with the intention of setting the building on fire and causing an explosion. Security measures and a rapid law enforcement response prevented significant damage, according to Estonian officials. No injuries were reported, and the company continued its production and delivery operations without interruption. Investigators detained eight suspects residing in Latvia, while prosecutors sought court authorization to keep five of them in custody as the investigation continued.

Estonia's Internal Security Service, known as KAPO, assessed that the attempted attack was ordered by Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU. Officials said the operation was part of a broader campaign of sabotage and intimidation directed against European defense manufacturers and organizations supporting Ukraine. The incident follows an August arson attack targeting Milrem Robotics, another Estonian defense company, which authorities also attributed to Russian intelligence services. Investigators are examining the suspects' roles and their possible connections to those responsible for coordinating the operation. Moscow had not immediately commented on the latest accusations, although Russian authorities have repeatedly denied European allegations of involvement in sabotage activities.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the attempted attack demonstrated the importance of cooperation between security agencies and private defense companies, particularly as threats to European military supply chains continue. He said Estonia had previously warned defense manufacturers about potential sabotage operations and provided guidance on strengthening security following earlier incidents. The precautions adopted by Threod Systems were instrumental in preventing serious damage, according to the government. Michal instructed Interior Minister Igor Taro and the Government Office to prepare the necessary steps for closing the eastern border, arguing that further restrictions would reduce opportunities for hostile activities. The prime minister also reaffirmed Estonia's commitment to supporting Ukraine despite what his government views as Russian attempts to intimidate European countries.

Interior Minister Taro said Estonia had already imposed substantial restrictions on movement across its border with Russia and had repeatedly warned that further hostile actions could result in a complete closure of road crossings. The three remaining crossings currently operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., facilitating limited passenger travel and commercial transport between the two countries. Under the proposed restrictions, both pedestrian and vehicle crossings would be suspended beginning December 1. Estonian residents and truck drivers currently in Russia have been advised to return during the approximately two-week period before the planned closure takes effect. Officials warned that travelers remaining in Russia after the restrictions begin could face significantly longer and more complicated routes home.

Foreign Minister Tsahkna said the closure was intended to demonstrate that hostile activities directed against Estonia would carry consequences while limiting the potential for further security threats and sanctions evasion. He also confirmed consultations with counterparts in Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, as well as communication with European Union officials about the planned restrictions. Estonia, a member of both NATO and the European Union, shares a land border with Russia and has maintained a strong position in support of Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The government has increasingly characterized suspected Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and information operations as interconnected elements of a broader campaign of pressure against European states. Tsahkna is expected to raise the issue of additional measures against Russia during a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

The planned closure underscores growing security concerns along NATO's eastern frontier as European governments contend with suspected Russian intelligence operations beyond the battlefield in Ukraine. Estonia's decision would eliminate its remaining road crossing routes with Russia while leaving the duration of the restrictions unresolved. The government is expected to discuss the final implementation measures in the coming days, including whether the closure should remain temporary or continue indefinitely. Authorities have not announced a specific reopening date or detailed exceptions that might apply once the restrictions take effect. For Estonia, the measure represents an effort to strengthen internal security while signaling that suspected attacks against its defense industry will prompt direct consequences for cross-border relations with Moscow.