Estonia
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 for the Defense of Ukraine, 17 countries announced new support totaling $38 billion. The assistance includes funding for drones, air defense systems, and missiles for Patriot systems.
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.
Experts believe that Hiiumaa Island in the Baltic Sea could be seized by Russia, allowing it to control sea and air routes. This would create significant difficulties for the Baltic states and Finland.
Estonian Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that financial support for Ukraine should take precedence over EU budgetary discipline. He emphasized the need to mobilize resources to counter the threat to liberal democracy.
Estonia has banned 261 Russian militants who fought against Ukraine from entering the country. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that this is just the beginning and called on other countries to follow suit.
Finnish authorities have lifted the arrest of the vessel Fitburg, which was detained on suspicion of sabotaging the Helsinki-Estonia telecommunications cable. Police have completed their work on board, but some crew members are prohibited from leaving Finland.
Finland officially withdrew from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines on January 10, following similar steps by other countries. This decision allows Finland to once again use anti-personnel mines in its military arsenal.
Finnish police are investigating damage to a telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn. The cargo ship Fitburg, en route from St. Petersburg, dragged its anchor along the seabed, severing the communication line.
National security advisers from European countries have arrived in Kyiv. They will hold consultations on security and economic issues, and coordinate further steps with partners.
The 2026 European Fencing Championships in Tallinn are under threat of cancellation, as Estonia refuses to guarantee the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus. The International Fencing Federation demands written confirmation of the admission of all athletes, but the Estonian authorities do not issue visas to citizens of these countries.