Estonia

According to the ranking of the organization "Reporters Without Borders", global press freedom has deteriorated. Ukraine is ranked 62nd, between South Korea and Brazil.

Against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 16 countries in the EU have initiated a request to activate the "exception clause". This should facilitate the transition to higher defense spending at the national level.

National Security Advisor Waltz stated that the US can no longer subsidize European security due to the large debt. Aid to Ukraine should be provided under the leadership of Europe.

Estonia has declared its readiness to join the coalition of countries led by Britain and France, which provides security guarantees to Ukraine. The country may send a ground combat unit.

European armies are understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to create a deterrent force in Ukraine. Many countries are not ready to provide soldiers.

Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within the framework of the Drone Coalition. Support for the coalition to Ukraine in 2024 amounted to EUR 1.8 billion.

The Ukrainian national team took fourth place at the European U-23 Championship in Tallinn. Ukrainian sabre and foil fencers won bronze medals in team competitions.

The US Secretary of State stated that a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia is close, but not yet reached. Next week will be decisive in the matter of continuing the peace process.

Estonia will continue to cooperate with the Baltic and North Sea countries to stop Russian shadow fleet vessels. The cooperation will ensure the protection of the region's environment and maritime infrastructure.

Estonian President Alar Karis said he spoke with Donald Trump about Ukraine. Trump promised not to withdraw from the role of mediator and noted the proximity to a solution.

Denmark will finance the transfer of various types of artillery ammunition to Ukraine through Estonia. The Danish Minister of Defense emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine's struggle for freedom.

Switzerland has joined the EU sanctions and imposed restrictions against eight Russian media outlets. The changes to the decree come into force on April 23, 2025.

The Ministry of Defense received a batch of equipment from the IT coalition, funded by Luxembourg and Iceland, worth almost 2 million euros. The delivery included access points, routers, charging stations and telephones.

Hungary can force the EU to lift sanctions against €210 billion of frozen Russian assets. This will remove the guarantee on loans to Ukraine and shift their coverage to EU and G7 taxpayers.

The head of the Estonian Parliament's commission, Marko Mihkelson, called the US refusal to sign the G7 statement on Sumy a display of weakness. According to him, neutrality in the face of genocide leads nowhere.

EU leaders have warned Serbian President Vucic that his visit to the May 9 parade in Moscow could harm Serbia's accession to the European Union.

The Estonian Department of Transport has discovered 40 violations on the tanker Kiwala, detained in the Gulf of Finland. Because of this, the ship cannot continue to move until the shortcomings are eliminated.

The Estonian Navy detained the tanker "Kivala", which was heading to Russia and is under EU sanctions. The vessel is suspected of illegal movement without a flag.

Hanno Pevkur expressed concern about a possible deal between the US and Russia by May 9. He called for increased military and financial assistance to Ukraine to prevent an undesirable outcome.

Estonia has passed a law obliging religious organizations to terminate ties with foreign individuals who pose a threat to the country's security. Two months are given to comply with the requirements.

Estonia has abolished the right to vote in local elections for citizens of Russia, Belarus and stateless persons. Amendments to the Constitution have already been adopted, but will take effect after the 2025 elections.

Since 2010, the largest increase in house prices has occurred in Hungary (+234%) and Estonia (+228%).

Estonia wants to give the military the right to use force against ships that could damage infrastructure. In extreme cases, the ship can be sunk after the crew is evacuated.

The European Union has rejected Lithuania and Estonia's application for funding for a "drone wall" to monitor borders and combat drones. The countries will look for other sources of funding.

British military found hidden Russian sensors in the seas around Britain. They were probably used to spy on nuclear submarines.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called for a tough stance on Viktor Orbán. He proposed applying Article 7 of the EU Treaty to "block" the Hungarian Prime Minister.

If Hungary blocks sanctions against the Russian Federation, the EU may return 240 billion euros of frozen assets to Putin. Estonia calls for the confiscation of these funds.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the US ambassador for the weak reaction to the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih. He thanked other countries for their support and called for increased sanctions.

Russian troops are increasing pressure on all sections of the front, carrying out about 200 attacks per day. The main direction is Pokrovsky, where the Russian Federation is trying to exhaust Ukrainian resources.

The US is demanding that the EU continue to purchase American weapons. This comes amid Europe's desire to develop its own defense industry, limiting the role of companies from the US and Britain.