Estonia has recorded a record number of detained Russian agents — ERR
In 2025, the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) detained a record number of individuals suspected of collaborating with Russian intelligence agencies.
The agency notes that this reflects a significant intensification of counterintelligence activities and the detection of networks linked to Russia.
This was reported to ERR by agency spokesperson Marta Tuul.
Last year, 16 people with ties to Russian intelligence services were detained.
"Since Russian intelligence services cannot operate on Estonian territory, they are looking for other options. They are looking for so-called 'light' agents who would carry out certain tasks on their behalf. But this record-breaking year shows that they are not succeeding. Our officers are very capable and catch them quite quickly, so there is no cause for concern," said Tuul.
She also described how methods for recruiting agents on social media have changed.
“On social media, they try to find random individuals who would carry out acts of vandalism, such as destroying or defacing the ‘Blue Hills’ (Sinimäe) memorials or committing other similar acts,” said Tuul.
According to her, visiting Russia poses a significant risk, as agents are stationed at the borders who compile profiles and screen people on the spot and may offer them cooperation as early as at border crossings.
However, Estonia has made significant efforts to curb Russia’s harmful influence operations; in particular, several propaganda media outlets, such as Baltnews and Sputnik, have been shut down. As a result, Russia’s influence operations have shifted their focus more toward social media.
“That is precisely where attempts are being made to create false narratives, as we have seen over the past year. For example, reports of bomb threats at schools or an alleged attack on Narva. In Estonia, this has absolutely no real support or demand. They may try, but there is no basis or real substance for it,” Tuul added.
Estonia has declared its readiness to accept more U.S. troops.
Estonia is changing its defense strategy amid threats from Russia.
Additionally, Russia has been unable to increase oil exports despite a partial easing of U.S. sanctions.
The Kremlin is justifying the shelling of the railway with false claims about the Ukrainian Armed Forces using trains.
