Estonia will, from December 1, close all border crossings with Russia, blaming the Vladimir Putin government for the attack on drone maker Threod Systems in the Baltic State.

No injuries or damage were recorded after the company’s security team responded to the incident.

Speaking after the attack, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the border closure became necessary to prevent further attacks and to send a clear message that it will not tolerate attacks on Estonia’s defence industry and defence capabilities.

The prime minister suspects that Russia’s attacks on Estonia are not unconnected to their continuing support for, and their being allies with, Russia.

He said, “Russia’s aim is to make us afraid, make us hesitate and weaken our support for Ukraine. Estonia’s response is the opposite. We will strengthen our security, work even more closely with businesses and our allies, increase pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine.”

Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, after eight people were detained on Saturday over the attempted arson attack on the defence company which manufactures long-range attack and reconnaissance drones.

Mr Tsahkna said, “Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, ordered a sabotage attack against an Estonian defence industry company. Estonia will close all Estonian-Russian border crossing points as of 1 December.

“Russia must understand that hostile actions against Estonia come with consequences. Attempts to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will not go unanswered. Closing the border crossings will reduce Russia’s ability to conduct hostile activities in Estonia and strengthen our efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention.”

Authorities have requested a court order seeking five of the detained suspects in custody.

Estonia, a European Union and NATO member state and a strong ally of Ukraine, has three open border crossings with Russia: Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula.