Estonia arrests 10 in Russian hybrid operation

Russian hybrid operation dismantles as Estonia arrests 10 in vandalism scheme on Tuesday

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced Tuesday that the country’s security service had disrupted a Russian hybrid operation targeting the country.

The operation involved acts of vandalism, including damaging property and defacing monuments. Notable incidents included an attack on the car of Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets and a vehicle belonging to Andrei Šumakov, editor of the news website Delfi.

A total of 10 individuals, comprising both Russian nationals and dual Russian-Estonian citizens, have been arrested, with six remaining in custody.

The Estonian Internal Security Service said that the Russian operation sought to sow fear and create tensions within Estonian society, though it ultimately failed in its objectives.

A spokesperson for the service noted that those responsible for vandalism were often recruited through social media. “Attentive citizens have greatly assisted us,” he remarked. He also highlighted Russia’s use of locals as tools, leaving them to face the repercussions alone.

Russia disputed Estonia’s claims, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova saying: “These are news from a parallel world. The Estonian regime supports [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy’s terrorism, pursues a Russophobic policy, leads the forefront of the sanctions war against our country, and then raises concerns over broken windows. It’s an absurd theater.”

After these events, Estonia’s foreign ministry announced plans to summon Russia’s top diplomat.

Source: Newsroom

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