Planned “Self-Defense Unit” in Estonia Supported by Russia

In Estonia, authorities uncovered plans by pro-Kremlin politicians to establish a parallel defense structure with support from Russian military intelligence.

This information was reported to the country’s prosecution office, as stated by ERR.

According to state prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas, in 2022, Aivo Peterson and Dmitry Rootsi, the individuals accused of treason, started, with backing from the Koos movement, to form a civil defense unit intended to assume the functions of the armed forces in the event of a crisis.

In correspondence with his associates, which the prosecution presented to the court, Peterson emphasized that the group aimed to “ensure security and perform the functions of the army” in the event of a “power vacuum,” the prosecution stated in court.

Additionally, according to the prosecution, Peterson and Roots authorized the establishment of contacts with representatives of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) to receive instructions and assistance in forming the unit.

Despite Peterson’s public claims that the project was supposedly humanitarian in nature, the prosecution views his actions as an attempt to create an alternative defense structure to the state, operating under the guise of charity.

“Peterson himself worked in the police for over ten years, so he was well aware that national defense is an exclusive prerogative of the state,” Olev-Aas emphasized.

Last week, Triinu Olev-Aas demanded that Aivo Peterson be found guilty of treason and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The prosecutor also called for Dmitry Rootsi, accused of treason, to be sentenced to 13 years in prison, and Andrey Andronov, charged with non-violent actions against Estonia, to receive an 11-year prison term.

The court investigation in the case started in November 2023. It is now approaching its final stage, but not all defendants have delivered their closing statements. Two more hearings are scheduled for June.

It was previously reported that Estonia will build a new military base to relocate troops closer to the border with Russia and strengthen its presence there.

The future military facility near Narva will be able to accommodate not only Estonian forces but also NATO allies, such as the United Kingdom and the United States.