Attribution of the Milrem Arson Attack to Russian Security Services
The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) assesses that the arson attack against the defence industry company Milrem on 15 August was a deliberate and pre-planned act commissioned by Russian security services.
The suspects in the attack were apprehended shortly after the incident and are currently in custody in Estonia. The circumstances of the attack remain under investigation as part of ongoing criminal proceedings.
Based on the information available to KAPO, the modus operandi of the Milrem attack is consistent with other acts of sabotage carried out in Europe on behalf of Russia. KAPO assesses that the attack is directly attributable to the Russian Federation.
Defence industry companies, particularly those involved in drone technology, as well as organisations supporting Ukraine, have been among the targets of Russian security services since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
KAPO’s assessment is based on the analysis of intelligence information and cooperation with domestic and international partners. Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, KAPO and its partners have identified and apprehended more than 20 individuals involved in kinetic attacks carried out on behalf of Russian security services.
Russia continues to seek opportunities to conduct acts of sabotage and other hostile activities across Europe. Individuals recruited for such operations may be misled or manipulated and may be given false or fabricated justifications for their actions in an effort to conceal the involvement of the Russian state.
KAPO assesses that these activities are intended to undermine support for Ukraine among European allies and to support Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.
The Milrem attack demonstrates the continued need for industries, particularly those operating in the defence and security sectors, to maintain robust physical and cyber security measures and to remain alert to attempts to recruit individuals to carry out acts of sabotage.
KAPO assesses that the threat posed by Russian efforts to destabilise Estonian society and undermine support for Ukraine will remain high in the coming years.
Estonia remains a safe and secure country, and we are committed to doing everything necessary to keep it that way.
The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) assesses that the arson attack against the defence industry company Milrem on 15 August was a deliberate and pre-planned act commissioned by Russian security services.
The suspects in the attack were apprehended shortly after the incident and are currently in custody in Estonia. The circumstances of the attack remain under investigation as part of ongoing criminal proceedings.
Based on the information available to KAPO, the modus operandi of the Milrem attack is consistent with other acts of sabotage carried out in Europe on behalf of Russia. KAPO assesses that the attack is directly attributable to the Russian Federation.
Defence industry companies, particularly those involved in drone technology, as well as organisations supporting Ukraine, have been among the targets of Russian security services since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
KAPO’s assessment is based on the analysis of intelligence information and cooperation with domestic and international partners. Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, KAPO and its partners have identified and apprehended more than 20 individuals involved in kinetic attacks carried out on behalf of Russian security services.
Russia continues to seek opportunities to conduct acts of sabotage and other hostile activities across Europe. Individuals recruited for such operations may be misled or manipulated and may be given false or fabricated justifications for their actions in an effort to conceal the involvement of the Russian state.
KAPO assesses that these activities are intended to undermine support for Ukraine among European allies and to support Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.
The Milrem attack demonstrates the continued need for industries, particularly those operating in the defence and security sectors, to maintain robust physical and cyber security measures and to remain alert to attempts to recruit individuals to carry out acts of sabotage.
KAPO assesses that the threat posed by Russian efforts to destabilise Estonian society and undermine support for Ukraine will remain high in the coming years.
Estonia remains a safe and secure country, and we are committed to doing everything necessary to keep it that way.
Director General
Margo Palloson