Russia may have been behind the arson attack on Milrem Robotics - investigation
Three people have been arrested in Latvia on suspicion of deliberately setting fire to a building used by Estonian defense company Milrem Robotics, with two of them in custody. The investigation is also investigating the possibility of sabotage and possible Russian involvement.
**Russian footprints may be involved in Milrem Robotics building fire – investigation concludes**
Three people suspected of deliberately setting fire to a building used by the Milrem Robotics defense company in Tallinn have been detained in Latvia. Two of them have been arrested. This was announced on August 19 by Estonian Public Prosecutor Gardi Andersson. According to him, the investigation does not exclude the possibility of sabotage in this incident.
The prosecutor noted that "a decision will be made to file a request for the arrest of the third suspect in the near future." The names and citizenships of the suspects have not yet been disclosed. Latvian and Estonian law enforcement agencies are working on their extradition to Estonia.
The fire broke out on the night of August 14-15 in a building used by Milrem Robotics. No one was injured in the incident.
Milrem Robotics makes unmanned ground vehicles and robotic systems for military purposes. The company's products are also used in Ukraine.
The company's head Kuldar Vaarsi told Reuters that the fire had not affected its production process and supply chains. According to him, Milrem Robotics plans to have more than 200 of its robotic systems in Ukraine by the end of 2026.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristian Michal said on August 18 that authorities were also investigating the possibility of Russian involvement in the fire. "If the aim of this action was to intimidate Estonia, to cause conflict between our people or to force us to abandon our support for Ukraine, then this goal will not be achieved," Michal said.
At the same time, Estonian authorities have not yet made public evidence confirming Russia's involvement in the arson of the Milrem Robotics building in Tallinn. The Russian embassy in Estonia did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the matter.