Kremlin Denies Orchestrating Arson Attack at Estonian Robotics Plant

Sep. 29, 2026 A Milrem Robotics booth at an exhibition in London. Milrem Robotics The Kremlin has denied accusations that it was behind a fire that broke out at a military robotics plant in Estonia last month. Estonia’s Internal Security Service (KAPO) claimed Tuesday that Russia orchestrated an Aug. 15 arson attack against Milrem Robotics, which supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine “The modus operandi of the Milrem attack is consistent with other acts of sabotage carried out in Europe on behalf of Russia,” KAPO said in a statement, adding that “these activities are intended to undermine support for Ukraine.” Estonia did not disclose its evidence in the case, citing the confidentiality of security services, but said the incident “demonstrates the continued need for industries… to maintain robust physical and cyber security measures.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later told reporters that Estonia’s accusations were false. “Such statements are baseless, ill-considered, bear no relation whatsoever to reality and lack any form of reasoning. Consequently, we cannot and will not take such statements seriously,” Peskov said during a daily briefing. A growing number of European countries have accused Russian security services of carrying out acts of sabotage across the continent in recent years. This month, Germany said Russia was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. In response, it ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian cultural center in Berlin. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Estonia , Sabotage Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Baltic Sea Telecoms Cables Repaired After Suspected Sabotage Experts and politicians have said recent actions targeting vital infrastructure are part of a hybrid war between Russia and Western countries. 1 Min read Finnish Police Investigate Role of Foreign Ship After Underwater Cable Damaged Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation said a probe for “aggravated sabotage” had been opened into the oil tanker Eagle S. 2 Min read Russia’s FSB Arrests German Man for Alleged Sabotage of Energy Infrastructure in Kaliningrad The man, identified as Nikolai Gaiduk, was accused of being involved in a March 2024 explosion at a gas distribution station in Kaliningrad. 1 Min read Estonia Demands ‘Annexed’ Territory Back From Russia “Russia annexed about 5% of Estonia’s territory,” the country's parliament speaker said, drawing condemnation from the Kremlin.