Newsletter will return in 2022. 

Puhkus kuni 2022. 

Häid Pühi! 

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Vana Jõulukaardid:

DIGAR, Pinterest, WikiMedia

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COVID Cases in the Baltics 

- 647 in Estonia 

- 934 in Latvia

- 1,879 in Lithuania

(BNN - 16. Dec)

https://bnn-news.com/latest-covid-19-cases-in-baltics-934-in-latvia-1-879-in-lithuania-647-in-estonia-230974

Europeans Expect COVID to Have Long-Term Effects on Their Travel Behaviours

(SchengenVisaInfo)

“Close to eight in ten EU citizens (76 per cent) expect that the COVID-19 pandemic will have some type of long-term effects on their travel behaviour.”

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/europeans-expect-covid-19-to-have-long-term-effects-on-their-travel-behaviours-survey-shows/

“Estonia to decide on use of Janssen booster doses before year's end.” - ERR

“Lithuania Confirms First Omicron Infection Cases.” - SchengenVisaInfo

“Finland confirms tougher entry rules in bid to rein in omicron.” - Helsinki Times

“34 Omicron cases in Finland so far.” - Yle

Friday 17. Dec.

Aastalõpuintervjuu: Peaminister Kaja Kallas

(Postimees)

“Aasta 2021 läheb ajalukku muu hulgas sellega, et Eesti sai endale esimese naispeaministri. Kaja Kallase (Reformierakond) graafik on tihe, ometi ei pea ta oma esimest tööaastat raskeks, pigem intensiivseks.”

https://leht.postimees.ee/7410647/aastalopuintervjuu-peaministriga-muidugi-on-asju-ka-valesti-tehtud#_ga=2.166945534.1387033692.1639702181-1456151699.1639011639

Marko Mihkelsoni hinnangul tahab Venemaa hävitada NATO

(ERR)

“Venemaa on oma retoorika oluliselt karmimaks muutnud – jutt ei käi enam Ukrainast ja Ukraina tulevikust Venemaa kontekstis, vaid sellest, mida Venemaa tahab. Ta tahab saavutada täieliku vetoõiguse kogu Euroopa julgeolekuruumis. Ta tahab sisuliselt NATO hävitada," rääkis Mihkelson kolmapäeval ETV "Esimeses stuudios”."

https://www.err.ee/1608437141/mihkelsoni-hinnangul-tahab-venemaa-havitada-nato

Russia-Ukraine crisis: where are Putin’s troops and equipment?

(The Guardian)

“Russia has forward-deployed hundreds of tanks, self-propelled artillery and even short-range ballistic missiles from as far away as Siberia to within striking range of Ukraine’s borders. US intelligence has said Russia could launch an offensive by the end of January with as many as 100 battalion tactical groups (BTGs), comprising an estimated 175,000 troops. Current estimates say Russia has about 50 BTGs in the border region, already a significant force that could overrun Ukrainian defensive positions.’

—

“Russia’s rhetoric has grown more belligerent. Vladimir Putin has demanded legal guarantees that Ukraine will never join Nato or host its missile strike systems, concessions he is not likely to receive. He is also short on time. His troops cannot remain out of garrison indefinitely. By late winter he will probably have to launch an attack or draw down his forces in what would look like a retreat.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/17/russia-ukraine-crisis-putin-troops-visual-guide-explainer 

Russia demands NATO leave eastern Europe

(Deutsche Welle)

“Russia has released a series of security demands to NATO, including a veto on the alliance's expansion. It is calling for an immediate dialogue, but NATO members aren't likely to acquiesce to Moscow's wish list.”

https://www.dw.com/en/russia-demands-nato-leave-eastern-europe-limit-missile-deployment/a-60173879

Eight-point draft treaty was released by Russia’s foreign ministry

(The Guardian)

“Those proposals are likely to be viewed extremely negatively by Nato countries, in particular Poland and the Baltic states. They have warned that Russia is attempting to re-establish a sphere of influence in the region and view the document as proof Moscow is seeking to limit their sovereignty.”

—

“A senior US official said on Friday that the Kremlin knows that some parts of its proposals were “unacceptable”.”

—

“Nato head Jens Stoltenberg, has already ruled out any agreements …”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/17/russia-issues-list-demands-tensions-europe-ukraine-nato

“Estonian Foreign affairs committee chair: Russia attempting to destroy NATO.” - ERR

“Russia broadens security demands from West, seeking to curb U.S. and NATO influence on borders.” - Washington Post

“Russia Lays Out Demands for a Sweeping New Security Deal. NATO officials immediately rejected it.” - New York Times

“Moscow lists demands for defusing Ukraine tensions.” (that Moscow initiated) - BBC

Ukrainian crisis talks are reminiscent of ‘Munich 1938’

By Pekka Vanttinen, Euractive

“Direct talks between the five biggest NATO members and Russia on the Ukrainian crisis are causing nervousness in Estonia. Negotiations over the heads of small nations are evoking memories of the Molotov-Ribbentrop agreement between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.”

—

“According to media reports, Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, compared the current atmosphere to another historical handshake.

“This smells like Munich 1938. The one who is threatening us and has turned guns against us is being calmed down,” said Mihkelson in an interview with Estonian television, referring to the agreement between British PM Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler permitting German annexation of the Sudetenland, in Czechoslovakia. According to him, Russia should not be given a veto on European security. In his radio programme on Tuesday, a former Estonian ambassador to NATO and Finland, Harri Tiido said that Moscow has never appreciated compliance, the approach opted by the West during the war in Georgia. What followed was the annexation of the Crimean peninsula.”

—

“Estonia’s ex-president Toomas Hendrik Ilves also commented on the matter. He told the Estonian Radio News that NATO-Russia talks are missing a big and militarily strong East European player. His choice for the seat would be Poland.”

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/ukrainian-crisis-talks-reminiscent-of-munich-1938/

NATO saatis välja öise hoiatuse Ukraina kohta

(Postimees)

“Kuigi Brüsselis on kell tund vähem kui Tallinnas, on siiski üsna tavatu kellaaeg avalduseks, mis just (kell 22.30 Brüsseli, kell 23.30 Tallinna aja järgi) NATO peakorterist saabus. See puudutab Ukrainat.”

—

“Me oleme sügavalt mures märkimisväärse, mitte provotseeritud ja õigustamatu Vene vägede koondumise pärast Ukraina piiridele viimastel kuudel ning lükkame tagasi Venemaa valeväited Ukraina ja NATO provokatsioonidest,» algab selle tekst. «Me kutsume Venemaad koheselt pingeid leevendama, kasutama diplomaatilisi kanaleid ning täitma oma rahvusvahelisi lubadusi sõjaliste tegevuste läbipaistvuse osas. …”

https://maailm.postimees.ee/7410695/nato-saatis-valja-oise-hoiatuse-ukraina-kohta#_ga=2.203696464.1387033692.1639702181-1456151699.1639011639

“EL hoiatas Venemaad tõsiste tagajärgede eest seoses Ukrainaga.”

“NATO allies urge Russia to withdraw forces from Ukrainian border.” - Politico

“USA kaitse-eelarves on Balti riikide toetuseks 175 miljonit dollarit.” - ERR

Thursday 16. Dec.

USA kaitse-eelarves on Balti riikide toetuseks 175 miljonit dollarit

(ERR)

“USA parlamendi ülemkoda kinnitas kolmapäeval Ameerika Ühendriikide 2022. aasta kaitse-eraldiste seaduse, milles muuhulgas nähakse ette 175 miljoni dollari eraldamine Balti riikide sõjalise kaitse tugevdamiseks. … Dokumendis märgitakse, et USA on alates 2018. aastast eraldanud Balti riikidele kokku ligi 500 miljponi dollari väärtuses julgeolekuabi, muuhulgas õhukaitseks, olukorrateadlikkuse tõstmiseks merel, laskemoona soetamiseks, tankitõrje võimekuse suurendamiseks, eriüksuste arendamiseks ning muuks otstarbeks.”

https://www.err.ee/1608438149/usa-kaitse-eelarves-on-balti-riikide-toetuseks-175-miljonit-dollarit

Vene suursaadik: meie suhetes on kõvasti arenguruumi

(ERR)

“Ametist lahkuv Venemaa suursaadik Eestis Aleksandr Petrov märkis kolmapäevasel pressikonverentsil, et Eesti-Venemaa suhted pole kaugeltki need, mis võiksid olla ning tõi esile diplomaatide vastastikkuse väljasaatmise.”

https://www.err.ee/1608437075/vene-suursaadik-meie-suhetes-on-kovasti-arenguruumi

“Russian ambassador: Much room for development in Estonian-Russian relations.” - ERR

Lithuania Closes Its Embassy in Beijing

(Transitions | NPR)

“Lithuania announced yesterday that it had closed its embassy and removed all its diplomats from Beijing in a spat with China over the recognition of Taiwan.”

https://tol.org/client/article/lithuania-closes-its-embassy-in-beijing.html

—

https://www.npr.org/2021/12/16/1064740067/lithuania-closes-embassy-in-china-after-last-diplomats-leave-amid-taiwan-spat

Vladimir Putin declaration: There is Russian military presence in Ukraine

(The Guardian)

“Speaking on Thursday during the Russian president’s annual press conference, Putin says for the first time that Russian military personnel are operating in Ukraine.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/dec/17/vladimir-putin-russian-military-presence-ukraine-video?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

“Rostovi kohtu otsus osutas Vene vägedele Donbassis.” - ERR

“On the Ukraine frontline: 'Only the dead aren't afraid’.” - The Guardian

“As Russian soldiers continue to amass near the Ukrainian border shots are already being fired.” - The Guardian

“Russia deploys Buk air defense system near Ukrainian border.” - Defense

“Don’t Let Russia Fool You About the Minsk Agreements.” - CEPA

Venemaa edastas USA-le julgeolekutagatiste nõude

(ERR)

“Venemaa ütles kolmapäeval, et andis NATO laienemist puudutavate julgeolekutagatiste ettepaneku üle Moskvas visiidil viibivale USA abivälisministrile. … Putin nõudis eelmisel nädalal virtuaalkohtumisel USA presidendi Joe Bideniga, et lääs annaks kirjaliku tagatise, et Ukrainast ei saa NATO liige. Vene välisministeerium avaldas pärast kõnelusi nimekirja nõudmistest, mille hulgas soovi, et NATO tühistaks ametlikult 2008. aasta otsuse avada uksed Gruusiale ja Ukrainale.”

https://www.err.ee/1608436799/venemaa-edastas-usa-le-julgeolekutagatiste-noude

Kremlin wants a legal agreement that alliance will not expand into ‘disputed’ territory

(Guardian)

“Vladimir Putin has told Boris Johnson that he wants immediate talks to secure clear legal agreements that Nato will not expand eastwards. According to a Kremlin readout of the two leaders’ phone call on Monday, Putin said talks were needed to discuss Nato’s future intentions, and to clarify Ukraine’s plans for the east of the country. …”

—

“Privately, leaders in the west remain confused about Putin’s intentions.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/putin-demands-talks-over-natos-plans-for-eastern-ukraine?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

“Putin Reiterates Need For 'Immediate' Talks With NATO On Security Guarantees.” - RFERL

“Russia Hands Draft Security Pacts to US, Expects Quick Talks.” - AP

Interview: Prime Minister Kaja Kallas

(Bloomberg Markets video)

“… Europe shouldn't wait for Russia to make a move on Ukraine, and that the block will send a clear deterrent - Europe ''will react''. She also spoke about the controversial Nordstream 2 pipeline, calling it a ''geopolitical project'' that will only give Russia a lot more power over Europe.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHBvb0RADJQ

“Germany urged to use Nordstream 2 pipeline threat to deter Russia over Ukraine.” - The Guardian

“Ukraine and Estonia are stepping up border protection cooperation.” - Ukrinform

EU Must Make Strong Signal of Deterrence to Russia, Estonia Says

(Bloomberg)

“EU leaders meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit are discussing a potential response to a Russian military buildup on Ukraine’s borders, which Kyiv and Washington have warned could be a precursor to an invasion. Some larger members of the bloc, including Germany and France, are resisting detailing painful economic measures that they’ll unleash if Russian aggression escalates.”

—

“Other member states, however, argue that publicly floating sanctions would better deter Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia, a former Soviet Republic that joined the EU and NATO after the collapse of the Iron Curtain, said both alliances shouldn’t take any chances.”

—

“Are they bluffing or are they really planning a move?” she said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Wednesday. “In any case we shouldn’t wait for a move, but send a clear signal of deterrence that says: ‘Don’t think about this because we will react.’”

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/eu-must-make-strong-signal-of-deterrence-to-russia-estonia-says-1.1696277

Back in the USSR: Are The Former Republics Better Off 30 Years Later?

(Russia Matters)

https://russiamatters.org/blog/back-ussr-are-residents-former-republics-better-30-years-later

EU ministers debate ways to shield Ukraine from Russia

(ABCNews)

“European Union foreign ministers have been weighing ways to counter the threat of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine and what measures to take if Moscow decides to send its troops across the border.”

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/eu-ministers-debate-ways-shield-ukraine-russia-81718089

“The West Must Deter Russia or Accept Defeat.” - Foreign Policy

Explainer: Why Is Russia's Putin So Focused on Ukraine?

(Reuters via U.S.News)

“With the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union, Russia lost control of 14 former republics it had previously dominated, but the loss of Ukraine was the bitterest pill. … The two had been linked since the 9th century when Kyiv became the capital of the ancient Russian state of Rus; in 988 its ruler, Grand Prince Vladimir, introduced Orthodox Christianity to Russia. From 1654 Russia and Ukraine were united by treaty under the rule of the Russian tsar. The two countries speak closely related languages and later formed, with Belarus, the Slav core of the Soviet Union. Many Russians feel a connection with Ukraine that they do not feel towards other former Soviet states in the Baltics, Caucasus and Central Asia.”

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-12-15/explainer-why-is-russias-putin-so-focused-on-ukraine

Swedish commander: U.S. should add troops in Europe if Russia-Ukraine crisis deepens

(Politico)

“Gen. Micael Bydén, the Swedish supreme commander, … didn’t define what he meant by that, but responded affirmatively when asked if he’d like to see more U.S. troops in his neighborhood should Russia take the step of once again invading Ukraine.

“If the situation — I wouldn’t say ‘require’ because that’s the wrong word — but if the situation would worsen, I do believe it would be good to have a bigger footprint.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/16/swedish-commander-us-troops-russia-ukraine-crisis-525135

Wednesday 15. Dec.

Don’t fall into Putin’s trap, Estonian PM Kaja Kallas warns the West

(Politico)

“Russian military pressure cannot be allowed to influence who can join the European Union and NATO.”

https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-pm-eu-nato-putin-influence/

Estonia's Soomaa region dugout boat culture added to UNESCO protection list

(ERR)

“The expanded dugout boat is a canoe-like boat made by hollowing out a single tree, usually aspen, with expanded sides and a shallow base. Until the 1960s, the boats were used for daily transport on rivers and fishing but now their use has changed and become more recreational. …”

https://news.err.ee/1608436154/estonia-s-soomaa-region-dugout-boat-culture-added-to-unesco-protection-list

Estonia in winter: into the wilds by canoe and ‘bog shoe’

(The Guardian)

[The article’s author visits Soomaa national park.]

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/dec/16/estonia-in-winter-into-the-wilds-by-canoe-and-bog-shoe

Mere steps from the EU, hundreds of migrants remain stranded in Belarusian warehouse

(CBC)

“In mid-November, around 2,000 migrants were moved into the warehouse facility as temperatures dropped and tensions rose at the section of border between Belarus and Poland. Since then, hundreds have flown back to Syria and Iraq. Many chose to board government-chartered flights, while others were deported from Belarus.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/belarus-poland-migrants-warehouse-1.6283478

Tuesday 14. Dec.

Estonian President Alar Karis will not attend Beijing Olympics amid international boycott

(BNN)

“The Estonian President quoted political reasons for the decision and added that heads of state of neighbouring countries would also avoid the Beijing Olympics. … In a reaction, a Chinese spokesperson commented: «Nobody cares whether they come or not».”

https://bnn-news.com/estonian-president-not-to-attend-beijing-olympics-amid-international-boycott-230838

Russia saber rattling gets the West talking. Is a deal with NATO next?

(Christian Science Monitor)

“The Russians claim, with considerable evidence, that former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was given strong verbal assurances that NATO would move “not one inch” eastward. Now, Vladimir Putin seems to believe that it’s finally time to get that in writing.”

https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2021/1213/Russia-saber-rattling-gets-the-West-talking.-Is-a-deal-with-NATO-next

“Kremlin wants legal agreement that alliance will not expand into disputed territory.” - The Guardian

“G-7 warns Moscow of ‘massive consequences’ if Russia invades Ukraine.” - Washington Post

“Ukraine Says Russia Blocking Most Of Sea Of Azov.” - RFERL

Vladimir Putin, Emotional Chess Master

(Washington Monthly)

“You can almost picture Vladimir Putin, perpetual president of Russia, hunched over a chessboard the shape of Europe, divining strategies many steps ahead of his fractious, ambivalent opponents. A gas pipeline here, troops and tanks there, propaganda everywhere to set the stage for the 21st century’s Great Russian Expansion.

—

“He is a skillful player. He reads the other side, detects its weaknesses, studies its patterns of resolve and hesitation. He appears coldly rational. Yet some who watch him closely see something beyond careful calculation. That is especially so when the issue is Ukraine, now in his military’s cross hairs. Putin’s attachment to Ukraine often takes on emotional, spiritual, and metaphysical overtones.”

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2021/12/14/vladimir-putin-emotional-chess-master/

The Role of Cossacks in Russia’s Soft Power Toolkit

(Ponars Eurasia)

“The term “Cossack” refers to a few distinct groups. While there is considerable dispute over the origins of the label, there is a clear division between those who identify as “free” and “service” Cossacks. The “free” Cossacks are those who consider themselves as “ancestrally” Cossack and claim the label from birth. The free Cossacks live mostly in Southern Russia and Ukraine, including the lands around the city of Rostov on the Don. Estimates suggest there are as many as 5 million such Cossacks across Eurasia, which makes them potentially the largest unrecognized “nation” (narod) in that space. The “service” Cossacks originated under Tsarist regimes and saw individuals (irrespective of their ancestral ties to the group) recruited to perform what would today be called paramilitary functions in exchange for privileges such as lower taxes. Cossacks were often used by imperial forces to settle border regions as a kind of force-in-residence.”

https://www.ponarseurasia.org/the-role-of-cossacks-in-russias-soft-power-toolkit/

100.4 F (38 C) temperature in Siberia in 2020 smashed Arctic heat record

(CBC, Canada)

“The UN weather agency said Tuesday it has certified a 38 C (100.4 F) reading in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk last year as the highest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic, the latest in a string of "alarm bells about our changing climate.”

—

“The World Meteorological Organization said the temperature "more befitting the Mediterranean than the Arctic" was registered on June 20, 2020, during a heat wave that swept across Siberia and stretched north of the Arctic Circle.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/wmo-heat-record-1.6284901

“WMO: lõppeval aastal püstitati Arktikas uus temperatuurirekord.” - Novaator

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Estonia endured its coldest early December in more than 60 years 

(Twitter)

“… according to Kairo Kiitsak, a meteorologist for the Estonian Environment Agency. He tweeted the mercury settled as low as minus-17.5 degrees C on Tuesday.”

https://twitter.com/kairokiitsak/status/1468152078497456134/photo/1

Strong polar vortex brings brutal sub-zero cold to Siberia, Scandinavia

(Washington Post)

“In Helsinki the first week of December was the coldest in 84 years.”

—

“Naimakka, Sweden, dipped to minus-46.8 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-43.8 Celsius) on Monday.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/12/10/extreme-cold-russia-alaska-scandinavia/

Northern lights: Photos of the year

(The Guardian)

“All photographs c/o Capture the Atlas.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2021/dec/07/northern-lights-photographer-of-the-year-in-pictures

__________

Friday 10. Dec.

Arvamus: Ukrainat ei või reeta

(Postimees)

“Ameerika Ühendriikide presidendi Joe Bideni kava pidada Venemaaga kõnelusi, et vähendada viimase muresid NATO idasse laienemise üle eriti just Ukrainas, ei kõla rahustavalt. Samas ei tohiks me sattuda paanikasse, sest see võiks olukorda veelgi halvendada.”

https://arvamus.postimees.ee/7405342/ukrainat-ei-voi-reeta#_ga=2.228005469.1196019835.1639161251-1456151699.1639011639

“NATO peasekretär: Kõik NATO liitlased toetavad Ukrainat.” - ERR

“‘Nobody wants to be Putin’s slave’: on the Ukraine frontline as tensions rise.” - The Guardian

Kas sündimas on Putini-Bideni pakt?

(Postimees)

“USA presidendi Joe Bideni ja Venemaa presidendi Vladimir Putini teisipäeval toimunud labirääkimiste järel anti teada, et USA oli resoluutne, näitas jõudu ja lubas sanktsioone, mis pidi ära hoidma Venema järjekordse rünnaku Ukraina vastu ning tugevdama meie julgeolekut.”

—

“Paraku oleme nüüd aga tõsiasja ees, et USA president kavandab kummalises formaadis kohtumist Venemaa presidendiga, kuhu on osalema kutsutud vaid mõned NATO riigid.”

https://www.postimees.ee/7404889/kas-sundimas-on-putini-bideni-pakt#_ga=2.155522683.1196019835.1639161251-1456151699.1639011639

“Välisminister Liimets Bideni ootamatust initsiatiivist: NATO dialoog Venemaaga ei ole tingimata halb.” - Delfi

“Don’t Sell Out Ukraine - The West Must Respond to Russia With Strength, Not Appeasement.” - Foreign Affairs

Kuidas me võidame järgmise sõja?

Kusti Salm, Diplomaatia

“Just see küsimus võtab kõige paremini kokku Eesti sõjalise kaitse eesmärgi ja ülesande. Küsimuse teravik – sõjaks valmistumine – ei tähenda tingimata, et sõja puhkemine on vältimatu.”

—

“See tähendab, et sõda ärahoidev heidutus saab usutav olla üksnes siis, kui olla päriselt sõjaks valmis. Si vis pacem, para bellum. See küsimus pani veel mõni aasta tagasi nii Eesti kui NATO koridorides paljusid silmi pööritama, kuid tänaseks valitseb NATOs ohupildi suhtes kaine ja kalkuleeritud selgus. Suvel toimunud tippkohtumisel deklareerisid kõik alliansi riigipead, et Vene Föderatsioon on NATO-le sõjaline oht ning veel tähtsamana kiideti heaks täiesti uus strateegiline lähenemine heidutus- ja kaitsehoiaku tugevdamiseks, mis on esimene omataoline viimase 60 aasta jooksul.”

—

“Eesti riigi kaitsmise lõplik tagatis on meie kõigi tahe Eesti riiki sõjalise rünnaku eest kaitsta. Lisaks tahtele ja toetusele on tähtis valmisolek sellesse ka panustada. Kas siis reservväelase, vabatahtliku, ettevõtja või pereliikmena. Kaitseministeerium peab hea seisma selle eest, et inimestel oleks võimalik oma kaitsetahet realiseerida ning kriisi puhkedes oleks igaüks paremini teadlik oma rollist.”

https://diplomaatia.ee/kuidas-me-voidame-jargmise-soja/

“Zapad-2021 õppetunnid – võidu võtab see, kes esimesena reageerib.” - Diplomaatia

“Moskva: NATO peab võtma tagasi Ukraina ja Gruusia ühinemise lubaduse.” - Postimees

“Võitlus Ukraina pärast Putini pilgu läbi.” - WSJ / Postimees

Report: “Human rights in Estonia have deteriorated over last 2 years”

(ERR)

“The report said "major human rights problems" that are still waiting for a solution. These include acknowledging "the Equal Treatment Act is discriminatory, the implementing provisions of the Registered Partnership Act which have been waiting for adoption for seven years, the government has not taken measures to counter hate speech, all prisoners are still subjected to a general ban on voting and the retention of telecommunications data is not compliant with European Union law. …”

https://news.err.ee/1608431885/report-human-rights-in-estonia-have-deteriorated-over-last-2-years

What is behind the COVID protests across Europe?

(Deutsche Welle)

“The protests against the COVID measures seem to draw an eclectic mix of people: the politically disenchanted, those who are anti-state, others who are esoteric and/or anti-vaxxers. On German public broadcaster ZDF, political science professor Marc Hooghe at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium compared the demonstrations in Belgium with France's 'yellow vest' movement, seeing a "combination of very different social groups which all have their own motivations. …”

https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-behind-the-covid-protests-across-europe/a-60074426

Thursday 9. Dec.

Putin’s Ukraine Crisis Fueling Baltics Tensions, Estonia Says

By Ott Tammik and Aaron Eglitis, Bloomberg

“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s standoff with the West over Ukraine is also triggering the strongest rise in tensions in the Baltic states since the Soviet Union collapsed three decades ago, according to Estonia’s defense minister. …”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-09/putin-s-ukraine-crisis-is-fueling-baltics-tensions-estonia-says

Russia must not be given any say regarding NATO - Estonian PM

(Baltic Times)

“At the government's press conference on Thursday, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, commenting on the conversation between the presidents of the United States and Russia, said that under no circumstances can Russia be given any say in which states can be part of NATO and which cannot. … The prime minister added that the security issues of Europe, including those of Estonia, must be discussed with all the allies.”

—

"What is most alarming is Russia's desire to turn Europe into spheres of influence. It is unacceptable and morally indefensible and Russia must be made aware of that in clear terms.”

https://www.baltictimes.com/russia_must_not_be_given_any_say_regarding_nato_-_estonian_pm/

“NATO must discuss European security issues with all allies. says Estonian president Karis.” - Baltic Times

Biden promises eastern Europeans support in event of Russian attack on Ukraine

(The Guardian)

“US president makes pledge in phone calls to Ukrainian president … Biden spent 40 minutes talking to the leaders of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia – all of which, unlike Ukraine, joined Nato in the wake of the 1991 Soviet collapse.”

—

“Russia must not be given any say in how Nato organises the defence of its territory” or in who can join the military alliance, said the Estonian prime minister, Kaja Kallas, in public remarks on Thursday. “What is most alarming is Russia’s desire to turn Europe into spheres of influence. It is unacceptable and morally indefensible, and Russia must be made aware of that in clear terms.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/eastern-europe-urges-nato-unity-in-biden-talks-with-russia

“Baltic presidents and Biden discuss security in Eastern Europe.” - BNN

Putin’s Plan

By Eerik-Niiles Kross, Postimees

“The question is not what Russia's goals are, but how and when it intends to achieve them … The Kremlin tried to mask the invasions into Crimea and Eastern Ukraine (2014) as popular uprisings or the local initiative of the Russian-speaking minority — but this fig leaf was used so clumsily that it covered nothing at all. Most probably, it was never intended to cover anything.”

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“In the case of aggression against Georgia (2008), the Kremlin, to a certain extent, took the trouble to frame Tbilisi for “starting the war,” creating a casus belli with the help of a fictitious genocide — but in Ukraine, it did not even bother to look for a reason. The reason was “protecting citizens of Crimea from the Kyiv fascists.”

—

“So far, it is difficult for the West to admit that different conflicts instigated by Russia are elements of one large crisis. …”

https://news.postimees.ee/7404359/eerik-niiles-kross-putin-s-plan

“Ilves: Poland should participate in meeting between Russia and NATO allies.” - ERR

“Putin is No Mystery, He’s Predictable.” - CEPA

“NATO Commander Stresses Deterrence And Defence In Estonia.” - NATO

“Lithuania says bigger U.S. military presence would deter Russia best.” - Reuters

“Russia is setting conditions to conduct military operations against Ukraine and/or in Belarus in the coming weeks or months.” - ISW

“Russia Ratchets Up Pressure On Ukraine As Biden Consults Zelenskiy.” - RFERL

“Expect Anything': Ukrainian Troops Brace For Possible Russian Attack.” - RFERL

“Putin compares Ukraine conflict to ‘genocide’.” - Meduza

“Ukraine Ready to Fight to ‘Last Drop’.” - Foreign Policy

“Ukraine in Play After Biden-Putin Discussion.” - Jamestown Org.

Wednesday 8. Dec.

Avalikustati metsanduse arengukava eelnõu koos raiemahuga

Ülle Harju, Postimees

“Raiemaht kümne aasta keskmisena oleks 10 miljonit kuupmeetrit aastas ja me soovitame kindlasti arvestada vahemikuga, mis on 9–11 miljoni kuupmeetrini aastas. See on metsanduse arengukava juhtkogu soovitus, tegeliku valiku teevad siiski lõpuks poliitikud,» seletas juhtkogu kõneisik, Eesti Maaülikooli metsapatoloogia professor Rein Drenkhan pressikonverentsil, kus esitleti MAK2030 eelnõu.”

https://leht.postimees.ee/7404399/avalikustati-metsanduse-arengukava-eelnou-koos-raiemahuga#_ga=2.4115127.622031157.1639011639-1456151699.1639011639

[The Forestry Development Plan for 2021–2030 recommends cutting an average of ten million cubic meters of forest per year and envisages the possibility of extending the felling peace to private forests.]

“Arengukava: aastas võiks raiuda kümme miljonit tihumeetrit metsa.” - ERR

“Raport: kliimamuutused ohustavad tuleviku Eesti metsa kasvamist ja tervist.” - Keskkonnaagentuur

Satellite Images Reveal Russian Troop Buildup Near Ukrainian Border

(RFERL)

“U.S. intelligence estimates suggest that the buildup could eventually reach 175,000 Russian troops. It’s one of the largest movements of Russian forces toward Ukraine in years, outside of regularly scheduled and announced training exercises …”

https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-troop-buildup-satellite-imagery/31598141.html

Transatlantic allies ramp up pressure on Russia over Ukraine

(Deutsche Welle)

“Former Estonian President Toomas Ilves says Russia likely didn't anticipate "this degree of common purpose among the allies" but he says what's been announced is hardly enough.”

https://www.dw.com/en/transatlantic-allies-ramp-up-pressure-on-russia-over-ukraine/a-60056158

“2021 war alert.” - Riddle

“Disquiet on the Eastern Front.” - Transitions

“Russia to lose Swift access and pipeline if it invades Ukraine.” - EU Observer

“Biden told Putin that 'things we did not do in 2014, we are prepared to do now’' if Russia escalates in Ukraine.” - CNN

“Russian, U.S. Statements On Biden-Putin Call Differ Starkly.” - RFERL

“Prime Minister Kaja Kallas: EU and NATO will respond to any aggression against Ukraine.” - ERR

“Terras: Euroopa peab Putinile tutvustama sanktsioonide paketti.” - ERR

“Valge Maja: Biden ei teinud Putinile järeleandmisi.” - ERR

“Baltic Prime Ministers meet in Vilnius.” - Latvian Broadcasting

“Biden tahab kokku kutsuda NATO riikide ja Moskva kohtumised.” - ERR

“Putin: Venemaal on õigus oma julgeolekut tagada.” - Postimees

“Putin is advocating Stalinist foreign policy.” – LRT

“Can Biden and Putin Avert War Over Ukraine?” - National Interest

Putin Extorts Another Meeting

By Olga Lautman, CEPA

“By late November, things were spiraling out of control in Central and Eastern Europe as Belarusian dictator Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s weaponizing of migrants posed a real threat to Poland and Lithuania’s borders, even as Putin was busy amassing a large-scale military force on Ukraine’s border.”

—

“Putin’s triggered a hectic response as the US scrambled to warn allies that Russia was preparing a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, even sharing sensitive intelligence, which was alarming enough to get a unified promise of a swift European action should Russia further invade. The threat of invasion reached such levels that Biden decided to speak with Putin personally to deliver a detailed set of warnings to reverse course …”

—

“In the background, Russia’s regime and its propagandists have been sounding the war drums. For a month now, Putin and his regime have been peddling an imaginary threat to Russia’s national security posed by NATO, even warning that an imminent attack was possible. It should hardly need stating that there is no build-up of NATO forces on Russia’s borders, that Putin previously threatened an invasion of Ukraine in the spring by massing troops at a time when there was also no threat, and that the only military invasions undertaken in recent years in Europe — Crimea and Eastern Ukraine — were launched by Putin himself.”

https://cepa.org/putin-extorts-another-meeting/

Falsifying Russia’s History Is a Step Toward More Violence

By Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic

“Putin’s determined re-politicization of history … He began by bringing back annual celebrations, complete with Soviet flags and uniforms, of the 1945 victory in what is still called, in literal translation, the “Great Fatherland War”—as if no one else fought the Nazis. He brought back the Soviet national anthem. Slowly, Stalin was whitewashed. Nostalgia for his victories was pumped up to new levels. In 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Russians were repeatedly told on state television and in thousands of social-media posts that they were fighting a war against “fascism” once more. …”

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/12/putins-plot-against-russias-future/620930/

Tuesday 7. Dec.

Estonia’s defense minister: Strengthening NATO, from a 2030 perspective

By Kalle Laanet, Defense News

“… Russia and Belarus have created a new threatening “normality” on Europe’s eastern rims that is intended to mirror, albeit artificially, Europe’s south. Misled migrants are used as weapons in inhumane hybrid attacks aimed at destabilizing neighbors, creating cracks between allies and gaining political profit. Russia pretends to be only part of the solution that would arrive as soon as President Vladimir Putin tells Lukashenko to stop.”

https://www.defensenews.com/outlook/2021/12/06/estonias-defense-minister-strengthening-nato-from-a-2030-perspective-and-beyond/

“Liitlaste lennukid harjutavad Eesti õhuruumis.” - Eesti Kaitsevägi

“Kaitseväe suurõppus Siil 2022 testib regionaalse koostöö võimekust.” - Eesti Kaitsevägi

“Estonian Defence Forces’ mass exercise Siil 2022 to test the regional cooperation.” - Estonian World

“Lithuania extends state of emergency on border with Belarus.” - Delfi

“Baltic PMs insist that EU should fund Lithuania's border wall.” - Lrt

Estonia: US' security help to Baltics should stay at least on current level

(Baltic Times)

“The delegation of the foreign affairs committee of the Estonian parliament visited Washington, D.C. to meet with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States … The meetings focused on strengthening the security of the Baltics and the possibilities for preventing the deepening of the security crisis in our region.”

https://www.baltictimes.com/estonian_mp__extent_of_us__security_help_to_baltics_should_stay_at_least_on_current_level/

Latvia: Prepare a swift response to Russia invading Ukraine

(The Guardian)

“Nato not sending a clear signal would mean ‘glue that keeps us together’ has failed, says Latvia foreign minister Edgars Rinkēvičs.”

—

“A swift reprisal package against Russia – including US troops and Patriot missiles stationed in the Baltics, the cutting off of Russia from the Swift banking payments system and reinstated sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline – must be prepared now in case it invades Ukraine.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/ukraine-russia-latvia-foreign-minister-invasion-warning?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

How might allies respond if Russia invades Ukraine?

(Defense News)

“NATO needs to plan beyond efforts to deter another Russian invasion of Ukraine and recognize that its actual response may differ depending on the extent of Russian military operations.”

https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/12/07/how-might-allies-respond-if-russia-invades-ukraine/

Ukraine: America Dropped the Ball on Russia’s Invasion Threat

By Anna Nemtsova, The Daily Beast

“After U.S. intelligence revealed that Russia may be preparing for a full-on invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov told The Daily Beast in an exclusive interview that the 7-year-long military conflict is even more dangerous today than it was in April of this year, when Moscow deployed up to 150,000 troops along the Ukrainian border.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/ukraines-defense-minister-oleksiy-reznikov-says-west-was-too-slow-to-respond-to-threat-of-russian-invasion?via=ios

“Russian Propaganda Brags of Putin’s Military Blackmail Against the U.S.” - Daily Beast

Putin's Last Gasp?

By Anders Åslund, Project Syndicate

“Although US intelligence agencies are warning that Russia is mobilizing its ground forces for an attack on Ukraine, it is still tempting to think that Russian President Vladimir Putin would never actually follow through on such a risky move. Yet when a strongman has so few good options for retaining power, the risk calculus changes.”

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/putin-declining-russia-mobilization-against-ukraine-by-anders-aslund-2021-12

Opinion: Belarus-EU border crisis reveals wider security threat

(Chatham House)

“By engineering a crisis at the Belarus border, Lukashenka is attempting to exacerbate vulnerabilities within the EU. Securitizing migration is not the answer.”

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/12/belarus-eu-border-crisis-reveals-wider-security-threat

The Accidental Revolutionary Leading Belarus’s Uprising

(The New Yorker)

“How Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya came to challenge her country’s dictatorship.”

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/12/13/the-accidental-revolutionary-leading-belaruss-uprising

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