Sweden has recognized Russia as the main military threat to itself and NATO. A military intelligence report points to airspace violations and cyber operations as examples of aggressive actions.
Georgia's "friendliness" rating towards Russia increased from 15 to 19. 4 points over the year, according to a study by a Russian institute. The country is now in the category of "Relatively friendly/unfriendly communication regimes."
The Ministry of Energy discussed the consequences of Russia's massive attack on infrastructure, especially in the Odesa region and on the left bank of Kyiv. Ukraine will receive 10 generators from Estonia, 32 boilers from Italy, and equipment from other countries.
Germany and France are discussing possible formats for cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence. The talks are not aimed at weakening the US role in European security.
Poland will denounce the Ottawa Convention from February 20, 2026, to produce anti-personnel mines for border protection. The decision is part of the "Eastern Shield" strategy due to Russian aggression and the experience of the war in Ukraine.
Latvia and Estonia have expressed their readiness to join discussions on creating a common nuclear deterrent in Europe. Germany and France also touched upon this issue at the Munich Conference.
Kaja Kallas believes that the EU should define its key demands to Russia before peace talks begin. She emphasizes that it is important to know what to ask for at the negotiating table.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.
Large-scale NATO exercises in Estonia revealed serious tactical shortcomings in intense drone warfare. Ukrainian drone specialists simulated the destruction of 17 NATO armored vehicles.
For the first time since the Cold War, European countries are discussing the development of their own nuclear deterrence capabilities. This is due to a possible loss of confidence in the US nuclear umbrella.
Following the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, 17 countries announced new support totaling $38 billion. The aid includes funds for drones, air defense, and missiles for Patriot.
Northern European countries are concerned that the EU loan to Ukraine could lead partners to abandon bilateral support. This renews discussions about burden-sharing between Northern and Southern Europe.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed Estonia's decision to join the steering committee of the Council of Europe's Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This step is a clear signal towards accountability and the restoration of international law.
A Latvian court sentenced a truck driver to three years in prison for attempting to illegally smuggle 10,000 cartridges into Russia. The man hid the ammunition in a toolbox, claiming he was transporting it for shooting sports.
NATO countries have agreed to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This will be accompanied by strengthening the Alliance's defense industry and capabilities.
Captain of the container ship NewNew Polar Bear, Wang Wenguo, pleaded not guilty in the case of damage to underwater infrastructure between Finland and Estonia. A Hong Kong court is considering charges of criminal damage caused by the ship's anchor.
Kaupo Rosin, Director General of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, stated that Russia will not attack Estonia or another NATO country next year. However, the Kremlin still poses a danger by strengthening its armed forces.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha advocated for a complete ban on entry to the EU for Russian citizens who participated in the aggression against Ukraine. He emphasized that this would ensure the national security of European states and serve as the price for making the wrong choice.
Estonia added 1,073 Russian militants to the list of those banned from entering the Schengen area. These individuals committed crimes in Ukraine and pose a threat to European security.
President Zelenskyy met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, discussing Ukraine's needs for air defense missiles and additional contributions to the PURL program. Estonia is considering increasing its contributions and continues to implement humanitarian projects.
Estonia is closing the Luhamaa and Koidula checkpoints on the border with the Russian Federation for the night from February 24 for three months. This decision will allow resources to be reallocated to strengthen border security due to provocations by the Russian Federation.
Estonian law enforcement officers, following a tip from international partners, conducted an interdepartmental inspection of the vessel Baltic Spirit, which was en route from Ecuador to Russia. However, suspicions regarding drug trafficking were not confirmed, and the vessel left the port of Muuga.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna arrived in Ukraine to see how the nation lives under constant threat. He emphasized that Ukraine's struggle concerns the security of all Europe.
During curling matches in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the lights went out at the Olympic Stadium, delaying the game for five minutes. The organizers did not name the cause of the incident.
Estonian law enforcement officers detained the container ship Baltic Spirit with 23 Russian citizens on board near Naissaar Island. The vessel is suspected of smuggling from South America, not of violating sanctions.
Estonia has proposed to the EU Council an indefinite entry ban for all Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. This is intended to prevent the legalization of these individuals in the Schengen area after the end of hostilities.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the EU to accelerate the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. He emphasized the deteriorating state of the Russian economy and the decline in oil and gas revenues.
Relations between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are worse than with her predecessor Josep Borrell. Kallas complains about von der Leyen's dictatorial methods; her position is weakened by her background and limited political power.
European countries, including Norway, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states, are actively preparing for a potential war with Russia by increasing defense budgets and strengthening infrastructure. Some states, like Norway, are considering the possibility of confiscating civilian property for defense needs.
Estonia has expelled Russian citizen David Arutyunyan due to a national security threat. He spread Russian propaganda and was a reserve serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces.
