Estonia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian destabilization is expanding to new countries and directions, commenting on the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian planes. He emphasized that this is a systemic Russian campaign against Europe, NATO, and the West, which requires a systemic response.
Estonia is initiating consultations under Article 4 of NATO after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace over the Gulf of Finland. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called it a serious and unacceptable provocation.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the incursion of three Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace a direct threat to transatlantic security. He emphasized the need to end Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's sense of impunity.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the interim chargé d'affaires of the Russian Federation to express a protest regarding the violation of airspace on September 19. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets were in Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes without permission.
Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets illegally entered Estonian airspace, remaining there for 12 minutes.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note of protest to the Russian side regarding the diplomatic mission's publications about opportunities to study in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna explained that such actions by the embassy contradict Estonian legislation.
Estonia will completely stop importing Russian natural gas, including liquefied gas, from next year, according to a government decision of September 18. This expansion of sanctions was initiated by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to cut the Kremlin's revenues.
Lithuanian law enforcement agencies have uncovered a criminal group that planned terrorist attacks across Europe using postal services. The criminals sent homemade incendiary devices disguised as massage pillows and cosmetics.
The Russian fishing vessel "Mekhanik Stepanov" with a faulty engine and power outage was drifting in the Øresund Strait. Sweden, Denmark, and Great Britain deployed coast guards and NATO ships to ensure safety.
Estonia has begun construction of a 40-kilometer anti-tank ditch on its southeastern border with Russia, as part of the Baltic Defense Zone. By the end of 2027, approximately 600 bunkers are also planned to be built to delay enemy forces.
Estonia will continue to provide aid to Ukraine at 0. 25% of its GDP, which amounts to over 100 million euros. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the support, including training and IT solutions in the defense sector.
The EU is preparing to tighten restrictions on issuing visas to citizens of Russia and other "hostile" countries by the end of the year. New recommendations from the European Commission, to be published in December, will include stricter criteria for the entry of Russians.
On September 12, the Swiss Federal Council approved Ukraine's accession to the CV90 club, which unites countries operating the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. Kyiv joined the group with observer status in March 2024.
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Andrus Merilo proposed to ban flights near the eastern border. The ban will be in effect from 8 PM to 7 AM for several weeks, covering the airspace from Pedassaar Island to Estonia's eastern border.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to the first ladies of Finland and Estonia, as well as to the first gentleman of Denmark. This happened during the fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv.
A study for the Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen revealed that 31% of Ukrainian students experience anxiety or fear during their studies. 58% of Ukrainian students consider support to be the main quality of a teacher during the war.
The first meeting of the AI Committee of the IT Ukraine Association took place in Kyiv to develop the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy. The document outlines long-term guidelines until 2030 within the global WINWIN Digital Innovation Development Strategy.
Poland has begun redeploying military equipment to the Belarusian border. This is a security reinforcement ahead of the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises.
Since the beginning of the year, Finland has deported 104 Russians who sought political asylum, most of whom were trying to avoid mobilization. Finnish authorities deny asylum, believing that mobilization in Russia has ended, although the law on this has not been signed.
Belgium will not transfer blocked Russian funds, as this threatens its reputation as a financial center. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed that asset confiscation is not an option for the country.
Ukraine is for the first time returning 3. 377 million euros from abroad, stolen through a corruption scheme at the State Enterprise "Polygraph Combine "Ukraina". The funds will be transferred by a French company that was involved in the NABU and SAPO case, after an agreement with the National Financial Prosecutor's Office of France.
The number of GPS interference incidents in the Baltic Sea has sharply increased, with jamming sources located in Russia. This poses a threat to civilian flights and international security.
More than half of Poles oppose Ukraine's NATO membership. However, attitudes towards Ukraine's EU membership are more favorable.
The Trump administration announced the curtailment of Pentagon programs for training and equipping the armies of Eastern European countries bordering Russia. This decision is intended to force European allies to bear a larger share of the costs of their own defense.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane landed in Bulgaria using paper maps due to GPS deactivation. This occurred amid a growing number of GPS jamming incidents in Eastern Europe.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has launched Diia. AI, a personal assistant for public services that provides information and helps to receive services online. The assistant is currently in open beta testing, and will be integrated into the Diia application in the future.
An unknown man in a car rammed the gates of the Russian Consulate General in Sydney. He was arrested, a police officer sustained a hand injury.
Lithuania has installed concrete "Dragon's Teeth" barriers at unused border crossings with Russia and Belarus. This is part of the planned measures of the Baltic Defense Line, aimed at restricting the entry of military equipment.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos and foreign ministers discussed support for Ukraine and readiness to start accession negotiations with the EU. The 19th package of sanctions and the SAFE instrument for 150 billion euros for defense support were also discussed.
Colonel Rivo Meimer reported the death of Estonian volunteer Olev Roost, who fought as part of the 3rd Separate Special Operations Regiment of Ukraine. Roost became the fifth Estonian volunteer to die in Ukraine, having experience serving in Afghanistan and Mali.