An Estonian farmer discovered debris from a self-destructing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on August 25th in a field near the village of Koruste, close to the southeastern town of Tartu. The location is approximately 75 km from the Russian border.

"Based on preliminary information, we believe this was a UAV targeting something within Russian territory," Margo Palloson, head of the Estonian Internal Security Service, stated on August 26th. "There is no indication that this was a Russian drone."

A crater in a field in Estonia where debris from a suspected Ukrainian UAV fell on August 25th. Photo: ERR

A crater in a field in Estonia where debris from a suspected Ukrainian UAV fell on August 25th. Photo: ERR

According to Palloson, Russian GPS jamming or other electronic warfare systems may have caused the drone to deviate into Estonian airspace. The drone exploded mid-air and "could have caused significant damage had it hit a residential building," Palloson added.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has commented on the incident.

Estonia is among Ukraine's strongest supporters. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Estonia has provided various weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and training to Ukrainian soldiers.

Neighboring countries of Russia and Ukraine have reported several incidents of UAVs entering their territories. Last week, Polish officials reported a Russian drone flying into the country and exploding in a cornfield, causing no casualties.

The most serious incident involving a stray missile or UAV occurred in November 2022, when a Ukrainian S-300 missile crossed the border and landed in a Polish village, killing two people. Following this, Poland has frequently activated its air defense systems and deployed fighter jets in response.

Location of the Baltic states, Russia, and Ukraine. Graphic: FT

Location of the Baltic states, Russia, and Ukraine. Graphic: FT

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, ERR)