Estonia plans to close three road border crossings with Russia—Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula—from 1 December, stopping both pedestrian and freight traffic. The decision follows an attempted arson attack at a drone manufacturer that Estonian security services attribute to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.
By the editorial team. Polish original, published 15 November 2026.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal instructed officials to prepare the necessary measures. Interior Minister Igor Taro is due to submit a formal closure proposal to the government. The authorities have not yet said how long the restrictions would remain in force.
Three crossings to halt road traffic
The announcement covers Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula. The crossings currently handle pedestrians and freight, and their operating hours had already been reduced to 12 hours a day. Road clearances would stop after the planned measures take effect.
Travellers and hauliers would have to use alternative routes. The Estonian authorities did not provide figures that would allow the number of affected freight movements to be estimated.
Arson attempt targeted a drone manufacturer
The attempted sabotage took place on 14 November at Threod Systems, an Estonian drone manufacturer. According to the authorities, the attackers tried to start a fire at the company’s facility.
No one was injured, and the company’s production and deliveries were not interrupted.
Eight people were detained, and prosecutors sought pre-trial detention for five of them. The suspects are residents of Latvia, and the investigation is being conducted with Latvian services. Estonia’s Internal Security Service links the attempted sabotage to the GRU.
Authorities cite an earlier attack on the defence industry
Estonian services also linked an earlier attack on Milrem Robotics, a maker of unmanned ground vehicles, to Russian intelligence.
Michal said defence companies had received warnings and security recommendations. According to the government, Threod Systems’ preparations helped limit the consequences of the November incident.
Sources
Government of Estonia, 15 November 2026; Reuters, 15 November 2026; ERR.
