Estonian Pro-Kremlin Politicians Accused of Plotting Alternative Defense Force with Russian Intelligence Support
Estonian prosecutors have unveiled an alarming case involving two pro-Kremlin political figures who allegedly attempted to establish a parallel defense structure within Estonia, with direct support from Russian military intelligence.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to ERR.
The State Prosecutor’s Office claims that Aivo Peterson and Dmitry Rootsi, both charged with treason, began forming a civilian defense unit in 2022 under the umbrella of the pro-Russian Koos movement. This unit was intended to assume the functions of the Estonian armed forces during a potential governance vacuum or national crisis.
Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas told the court that intercepted communications between the accused and their associates revealed plans to “ensure security and carry out army functions” in case of a collapse of state authority. Despite public claims by Peterson that the project was humanitarian in nature, prosecutors assert it was a covert attempt to create an alternative military structure under the guise of charitable activities.
The investigation also uncovered efforts by Peterson and Rootsi to establish direct contact with agents of Russia’s military intelligence service in order to obtain operational guidance and logistical support for their initiative.
“Peterson served in law enforcement for over a decade. He knew very well that national defense is an exclusive responsibility of the state,” emphasized Olev-Aas during the trial.
The prosecutor has called for a 17-year prison sentence for Peterson, 13 years for Rootsi, and 11 years for a third defendant, Andrey Andronov, accused of non-violent actions against the Estonian state.
The trial, which began in November 2023, is approaching its final stage, although closing statements from all defendants have yet to be delivered. Two more hearings are scheduled for June.
Estonian authorities view the case as a grave threat to national sovereignty and a stark reminder of the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to undermine democratic institutions within the EU and NATO.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Polish prosecutors have officially charged a Polish citizen in connection with an alleged conspiracy to assist Russian military intelligence in planning an assassination attempt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.