Baltic states to cut energy ties with Russia, join European power grid, AFP reports
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia will disconnect from Russia’s power grid this weekend and synchronize with the Western European network.
Estonia
Lithuania, Estonia pledge 5% defense spending, following Trump's call, FT reports
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys reportedly described the shift as part of a "new era. " Vilnius committed to spending between 5% and 6% of its GDP on defense annually until at least 2030. Estonia followed suit, pledging to raise defense spending from 3.7% of GDP to 5%.
Finland to host NATO Baltic summit, address Russia’s 'shadow fleet' sabotage threats
The meeting, co-organized by Finland and Estonia, will focus on enhancing NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea and responding to risks posed by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a group of tankers allegedly used for sanction evasion and espionage.
NATO reportedly sending ships to guard cables under Baltic Sea
A fleet of up to 10 NATO vessels will guard the infrastructure under the Baltic Sea until April, the Finnish broadcaster YLE reported on Jan. 7 after several cables were cut in suspected sabotage.
‘Putin is afraid of Trump’s administration’ – Estonian foreign minister on potential Russia-Ukraine negotiations
As Ukraine and Europe enter 2025 with a worsening situation on the battlefield and the incoming Trump administration hoping to quickly reach some kind of peace in Russia’s all-out war, the first months of the year look to be fundamental in deciding the outcome of the war. While much
Finnish court upholds seizure of Russian tanker suspected of cable sabotage
The Helsinki District Court has ruled to keep the oil tanker — suspected of belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" — under seizure, despite an appeal from the ship's owner.
NATO to 'enhance military presence' in Baltic Sea following damage to undersea power cable, Rutte says
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Dec. 27 that "NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea" following the recent damage to the Estlink 2 power cable in the Gulf of Finland likely caused by Russia.
Russian shadow fleet tanker likely caused damage to undersea power cable, Finland says
The Estlink 2, an undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia, was seriously damaged on Christmas Day. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of sabotage.
Estonia urges NATO allies to boost defense spending to counter Russian threat, Reuters reports
"Everybody in NATO and in the EU right now has the feeling in their backbone that you should increase defense expenditure because of what is happening all over the world and with Russia," Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal told Reuters.
Lithuania and Estonia introduce new sanctions against Georgian officials
Lithuania and Estonia have imposed sanctions against Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and several government officials, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budris announced on X on Dec. 15.
Estonian PM arrives in Kyiv to meet Zelensky
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the PM said in a post on X on Dec. 9.
Estonian company to test AI-guided anti-drone missiles in Ukraine, CEO says
A key feature of the system is its artificial intelligence capability for autonomous targeting.
Estonia’s defense chief urges financial aid for Ukraine over foreign troop deployments, The Hill reports
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Ukraine could manage its defense effectively if supplied with the necessary resources. "As far as I know, Ukrainians can handle all of this, when we can deliver all what they need for fighting with Russia."
Estonia approves delivery of additional military aid package for Ukraine
The latest aid package will include an unspecified amount of munitions and equipment, including naval uniforms, observation equipment, sights, and protective equipment, Estonia's Defense Ministry said.
Kyiv urges Estonian film festival to cancel Russian 'Deaf Lovers' film screening
Ukraine's State Film Agency has urged the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (POFF) to remove the Russian film "Deaf Lovers" from its main programming, protesting the film's depiction of relations between Russians and Ukrainians, the agency announced on Nov. 12.
Estonia announces new military aid package for Ukraine
Estonia's Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, visited Kyiv on Nov. 11, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and announced a new aid package for Ukraine, Pevkur said on X.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery in Russia's Saratov, HUR source says
Key developments on Nov. 8: * Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery in Russia's Saratov, HUR source confirms * Ukraine to receive $6 billion in US military aid before Trump's term begins, Pentagon confirms * Estonia to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles for testing * Ukraine retrieves bodies of 563 fallen soldiers * US allows
Russian drone damages Estonian ambassador's apartment building in Kyiv
"No one is safe in Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression," Estonia's Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a post on social media on Nov. 8.
Estonia to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles for testing
The missiles to be trialed by Ukraine are designed to counter drones, and can shoot down targets at an altitude of up to 2 kilometers.
Estonia wants to bar Russian, Belarusian citizens from voting in local elections
Estonia aims to narrow voting eligibility in local elections to exclude Russian and Belarusian citizens in order to counter Russian influence, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told state broadcaster ERR on Nov. 4.
North Korean troops could suffer even greater losses in Ukraine than Russia, Estonian intelligence says
North Korean soldiers are usually trained to fight in mountainous terrain, which means they are not familiar with Ukrainian territory, its climate, and geography, Estonia's intelligence said.
Ukraine's victory can avert NATO-Russia clash, Estonian defense minister says in exclusive interview
Estonia has emerged as a staunch advocate for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, pushing its NATO allies to step up military aid and make long-term commitments to Kyiv’s defense. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has been at the forefront of this effort, urging Kyiv's partners not merely to
Estonia considering buying defense equipment from Ukraine, official says
"We need to understand here that this can only be done in such a way that if we buy, then Ukraine gets more money. And they will be able to produce more for their army," Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said.
Estonia's planned 'war tax' unprecedented, defense minister says
Speaking at a panel discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum attended by the Kyiv Independent, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur explained that "everybody in the society will contribute a bit more."
Ukraine launches program allowing foreigners to remotely start businesses in Ukraine
Ukraine has launched uResidency, a program enabling foreigners to start a business in the country remotely, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Sept. 27 at the Lviv IT Arena, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist reporting from the event. The program offers foreign entrepreneurs favorable conditions for conducting business,
Estonian President on Russia's threats of escalation
In an exclusive interview, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasizes his country’s support for Ukraine, advocating for the removal of restrictions on Western-provided long-range weapons so Ukraine can strike Russian territory.
'Too dangerous to ignore' – Russia's malicious activity in the Baltics set to test NATO resolve
“Russian intelligence is everywhere. And its propaganda is everywhere, not only in Estonia but all over the world,” Estonian President Alar Karis told the Kyiv Independent during an interview on the sidelines of the 20th annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) Conference in Kyiv. Russia has been actively meddling in the
Estonian President Karis: We have to cross all ‘red lines,’ then start forcing Russia out of Ukraine
Estonian President Alar Karis is very diplomatic. His country of 1.3 million people borders Russia, while the ongoing messy election campaign in Washington, D.C. forces European diplomats to question whether the U.S. will help countries like Estonia in case of a direct confrontation with Moscow. Despite that,
Estonian president arrives in Kyiv
"Arrived in the great city of Kyiv. Looking forward to all the meetings & discussions," Estonian President Alar Karis said on X.
Estonia launches new program for Ukrainian refugees
Estonia launched the "ROSE Estonia" project to help Ukrainian refugees in the country with their goals in self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Russia not ready for Kursk Oblast counteroffensive, Estonian official says
"According to Russian social media reports, the Russian Armed Forces are expected to launch a counteroffensive soon. However, there are no indications yet that the Russian Armed Forces have enough forces and areas to deploy such significant actions."
Kursk region incursion may force Russia to redeploy troops, Estonian intelligence says
According to unofficial reports, Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 15 kilometers (9 miles) into the Kursk region. Kesselmann does not rule out that Ukraine could have partially скщііув the second line of defense in the Kursk region.
Most popular
Editors' Picks
'I didn't know who I'd be fighting' — North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine speaks in new footage
What are Trump's options on Russia's war against Ukraine?
How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia
