“The war has now entered its fifth year, and its effects occasionally spill across borders. Today, not for the first time, also into Estonia. What is important is that Estonia was not the target of the attack,” emphasised Prime Minister Kristen Michal. “These are large-scale Ukrainian counter-attacks against the aggression of Russia, targeting the ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk. These are the ports through which Russia exports energy resources, providing Putin with funds to wage war, undermine the independence of European and other countries, conduct war against Ukraine, and kill people. The attacks today occurred in three waves, and some of the drones which were used in the attack reached here. The hazard alert was also triggered during the last wave. We learn from every situation and will modernise the notification system accordingly. Estonia is prepared to defend itself against any attack. Our defence spending stands at 5.4%, placing us among the highest in NATO; this funding goes directly to the defence of the Estonian state. We are investing as much money, effort, and time as possible to ensure that the people of Estonia are protected,” said the Prime Minister.
“Everyone can continue with their daily activities. These were stray drones. As long as Russia continues its war, we must take such risks into account,” said Minister of the Interior Igor Taro. “In issuing hazard alerts, we assess the risks of each specific incident. Today there was a risk, and the alert system functioned as intended. Every such event provides valuable experience for all of us. We are developing a network-based rapid alert system that delivers notifications via sound, light, and vibration signals. This will be the next major step in our civil protection,” he added.
Early this morning at 3.43 a.m., a drone struck the chimney of the Auvere power plant. No people were injured. Based on current information, the drone was not directed at Estonia but deviated here from its intended trajectory. Later, at around 8.30 a.m., another aerial object crossed Lake Peipus into Estonia, triggering the hazard alert system.
There is no immediate threat to Estonia, and people may continue their normal daily activities. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Estonia and the Estonian Internal Security Service.
According to Enefit Power, the Auvere power plant did not sustain significant damage in the drone incident, and its operation has not been disrupted. The incident has had no impact on the functioning of the electricity system of Estonia. Elering has confirmed that security of supply is ensured.
The Government Office is preparing legislative amendments that will allow owners of critical infrastructure to acquire additional counter-drone capabilities. A draft act for the amendment of the Law Enforcement Act and other acts is being prepared to establish unified drone monitoring capabilities and to more clearly define responsibilities for countering different types of drones. For example, when the Defence Forces must respond and when responsibility lies with the Police and Border Guard Board. The draft act grants providers of vital services that own national defence assets the right to conduct drone monitoring and protection themselves. Companies will also be given the right to provide such services; until now, this has been the exclusive competence of the Police and Border Guard Board.
Additional information on how to act in case of drones is available at https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/suspicious-drone
