Välismiministeerium soovitab Ukrainas viibivatel Eesti kodanikel sõjaohu tõttu Eestisse tagasi pöörduda
(Postimees | Delfi)
“Reede õhtul oma veebilehel reisihoiatust uuendanud välisministeerium teatas, et Venemaa sõjalise tegevuse suurenenud ohust tulenevalt soovitatakse ilma tungiva vajaduseta mitte reisida Ukrainasse.”
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https://www.delfi.ee/artikkel/95888971/valisministeerium-kutsub-eestlasi-ukrainast-lahkuma
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“Estonian nationals in Ukraine are being urged to return home and "non-essential travel" should be avoided as tensions with Russia continue to mount, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday evening.”
(ERR)
https://news.err.ee/1608497579/estonia-warns-against-traveling-to-ukraine-urges-citizens-to-leave
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Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin during Winter Olympics
(ABC News)
"We can't pinpoint the day, at this point, and we can't pinpoint the hour, but what we can say is that there is a credible prospect that a Russian military action would take place even before the end of the Olympics," U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House. (The Winter Olympics, which are ongoing in Beijing, are scheduled to end on Feb. 20.). … "This is a dangerous moment for European security," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday in Brussels.”
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“Sullivan said the United States still could not say whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had actually made a decision to invade. But he said the situation had grown so dire that Americans in Ukraine should leave "immediately" -- or at least "in the next 24 to 48 hours."
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-russian-attack-ukraine-begin-olympics/story?id=82826589
“Valge Maja: Venemaa võib rünnata olümpiamängude ajal.” - Postimees
Russia-Backed Separatists Conduct Military Exercises; On High Alert
(New York Times)
“Ukraine’s military warned on Friday that the Russian-backed separatist army in the country’s east had been put on a high level of alert, completing a near-encirclement of Ukraine by forces now poised for military action, even as the Biden administration warned that a Russian invasion could be imminent.”
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“The drills tested the separatists’ preparation for live-fire operations, practicing “driving artillery, tanks and armored vehicles” in field exercises, the Ukrainian statement said. Some units of the force, believed to number 30,000 troops, were put on their highest level of alert, the Ukrainians said, and senior Russian military officers were observing the activity.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/11/world/europe/ukraine-russia-diplomacy.html
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis remained at a stalemate Friday
(Washington Post)
“… prompting a stark warning from NATO that Europe faces a “dangerous moment” as Russia kicks off a second day of major military exercises near Ukraine’s borders that analysts say could presage an invasion.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/11/ukraine-russia-putin-nato-biden/
“Talks on eastern Ukraine conflict to resume in March, sources say.” - DW
“British diplomacy gets a frosty reception in Moscow.” - Politico-Europe
“Defiant Putin mauls Macron in Moscow.” - Politico-Europe
“New Russian deployments detected.” - France24
“Russia has enough troops massed to invade Ukraine.” - Reuters
“New satellite images show continuing Russian military buildup on three sides of Ukraine.” - CNN
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Cover photo:
http://www.loodusemees.ee/et/galeriid/sydakuu#&&c=100103aa081
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Opinion: “Russia revives a Beatles hit.” - New York Times, 4. March 2014
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Friday 11. February
Kreml otsib välispoliitilist edulugu Eesti piirilepingust
(Postimees)
“Venemaal töövisiidil viibiva riigikogu väliskomisjoni esimehe Marko Mihkelsoni (RE) sõnul näitasid idanaabrid üles soovi, et parlamendid 2014. aastal allkirjastatud Eesti-Vene piirilepingu ratifitseeriksid. Siinsed poliitikud ja eksperdid seda ülearu ei tähtsusta.”
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“Venemaa välisasjade nõukogu peadirektor Andrei Kortunov lausus kommentaaris Postimehele, et tema arusaamist mööda oodatakse Venemaal, et Eesti oleks huvitatud piirileppega edasi minekust. Viimasel ajal ongi Moskvas ringelnud kuulujutud, et üldine suhtumine Eestis on muutunud, kuigi «Vene huvi demonstreerimist võidakse Tallinnas valesti tõlgendada».”
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| Map: Postimees |
“Russia shows interest in ratifying Estonian border agreement.” - ERR
Scholz: Saksamaa seisab oma Balti liitlaste kõrval
(ERR)
“Saksamaa kantsler Olaf Scholz sõnul on Balti riigid otseselt mõjutatud Venemaa sõjalisest tegevusest Ukraina piiril ja Valgevenes ning tal on hea meel probleemidest kolleegidega otse rääkida. Kantsler rõhutas samas, et allianss on valmis Moskvaga kõnelusi pidama, kuna kõigi huvides on sõja ärahoidmine. Tema sõnul ei tohiks Venemaa alahinnata NATO ühtsust.”
https://www.err.ee/1608495695/scholz-saksamaa-seisab-oma-balti-liitlaste-korval
“Estonia: Volunteers prepare for action.” - Deutsche Welle
“NATO commander: Currently no threat to Baltic states from Russia, Belarus.” - ERR, 8. Feb. 2022
“Norra luurejuht: 150 000 sõdurit piirile koondanud Venemaa on Ukrainasse tungimiseks valmis.” - Postimees
“Estonia allocates €351,700 to residents of frontline areas in eastern Ukraine.” - OCHA
“Latvian PM: NATO presence needed from Baltic to Black Sea.” - Deutsche Welle
“Investorid panustavad, et Ukraina-Venemaa sõda ei tule.” - Postimees
Hulk riike soovitab oma kodanikel Ukrainast lahkuda
(ERR)
“Läti kutsub oma kodanikke Ukrainast lahkuma. … Ka Jaapani välisministeerium andis reedel soovituse oma kodanikel Ukrainast kohe lahkuda. … Hollandi suursaadik Ukrainas ütles raadiokanalile BNR, et valitsus soovitab julgeolekuolukorra tõttu Hollandi kodanikel võimalikult kiiresti Ukrainast lahkuda. … Reede õhtul andis ka Suurbritannia soovituse oma kodanikel lahkuda Ukrainast. …”
https://www.err.ee/1608496628/hulk-riike-soovitab-oma-kodanikel-ukrainast-lahkuda
“UK, Norway urge nationals to leave.” - Euronews
Soome sõlmis lepingu USA hävituslennukite ostmiseks
(ERR)
“Soome teatas detsembris, et vahetab välja oma senised F/A-18 hävitajad 64 varghävitaja F-35 vastu. Tehingu maksumus on 9,4 miljardit dollarit ehk 8,2 miljardit eurot. "See on järjekordne selge märk sellest, kui tõsiselt on Soome kogu aeg suhtunud oma riigi kaitsesse," ütles Soome USA suursaadik Mikko Hautala.”
https://www.err.ee/1608496622/soome-solmis-lepingu-usa-havituslennukite-ostmiseks
Baltic nations launch OSCE appeal over Russia-Belarus military drill
(Defense News)
“Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have requested a “detailed explanation on the exercise,” including the total number of troops, battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery pieces, mortars and rocket launchers, envisaged sorties per aircraft, and rapid-reaction forces involved …”
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“Formerly apprehensive about being seen as too close to Moscow, the regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko has recently become an integral part of Russia’s posturing. The two governments are expected to grow ever closer under the guise of a Russian counter-weight to NATO in Europe.”
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“It’s unclear what response, if any, the Baltics can expect. The Vienna Document says that states launching an exercise information request can ask for a meeting with the petitioned state 48 hours after receiving a response.”
“Russia begins military drills in Belarus.” - Deutsche Welle
“Experts: Russia, Estonia should hold more face-to-face meetings.” - ERR
Eestit ei rahuldanud Valgevene antud info ühisõppuste kohta Venemaaga
(ERR)
“Balti riigid said reedel Valgevenelt vastuse oma päringule, milles nad küsisid andmeid seal alanud ühisõppuste kohta Venemaaga, kuid välisministeeriumi hinnangul ei saa vastust pidada piisavaks. "Täna, 11. veebruari pärastlõunal saabus nende-poolne vastus. Valgevene vastus kolme Balti riigi päringus esitatud konkreetsetele küsimustele jäi ebapiisavaks.”
https://www.err.ee/1608497369/eestit-ei-rahuldanud-valgevene-antud-info-uhisoppuste-kohta-venemaaga
“Balti riigid nõuavad Valgevenelt infot alanud ühisõppuste kohta Venemaaga.” - ERR
“Liik ja Vare: Eesti-Vene silmast silma kohtumisi võiks olla rohkem.” - ERR
“Mis tegevused eelnevad Lääne sõnul Venemaa invasioonile?” - Postimees
Invading Ukraine Would Be A Historic Mistake For Russia
(1945)
“The odds are growing that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make the greatest mistake of his career by invading Ukraine. This is likely to result in the very outcomes that the Kremlin claims it seeks to avoid. A new assault on Ukraine would weaken the Russian government, hurt its economy, over-extend its military, strengthen NATO unity and resolve, cause Washington to increase the U.S. military presence in Europe, and give new impetus to Western military modernization.”
“Russia-Ukraine crisis: where are Putin’s troops and what are his options?” - The Guardian, 8. Feb. 2022
“U.S. to send 3,000 additional troops to Poland.” - Reuters
Thursday 10. February
Commander of the Polish army says Poland’s defense begins in Tallinn
(Postimees)
“I also visited your brigades and saw the soldiers. … you look in their eyes and see commitment, preparedness to sacrifice everything. This was truly inspiring and motivating to me. Estonia’s contribution to the security of NATO’s eastern flank is huge.”
https://news.postimees.ee/7448593/commander-of-the-polish-army-poland-s-defense-begins-in-tallinn
“NATO troops operate at the Estonia - Russia border.” - France24 video
“Ühendvägi saab tegutseda rutem kui NATO.” - Postimees
“Estonia Transfers Third of Its Javelin Missiles to Ukraine.” - Ukranews
“Europe Needs More Military Integration To Deter Russia.” - Foreign Policy
“Estonia has accommodation for 2,000 refugees fleeing war.” - ERR
“Poland braces for ‘up to a million people’ fleeing war in Ukraine.” - Politico
“Estonia donates mobile field hospital to Ukrainian army.” - Ukrinform
“Lithuania Seeks Permanent U.S. Military Presence In Country.” - RFERL
'Finlandization' Hits A Nerve In Kyiv, Stirs Up Bad Memories In Helsinki
(RFERL)
“This week, the French president reportedly used the term -- or raised the idea -- and said it was an option “on the table” for resolving the tension over Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine and Moscow’s insistence that the country be kept out of NATO forever.”
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“In Finland itself, the term carries a mix of regret and embarrassment, an echo of a bygone era. “From a Finnish perspective, it’s a pejorative term,” said Matti Pesu, senior research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs in Helsinki. “Finns, they don’t like it. They would never offer it as a policy proposal. Finns would never want a system imposed from an outside power.”
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“On the one hand, they managed to walk the tightrope,” he said. “On the other hand, it undermined Finnish democracy and it harmed Finland’s international status.”
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Signed in 1948, the Soviet–Finnish Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance was the bedrock of Helsinki’s postwar relations with the Soviet Union. Among other things, Moscow guaranteed it wouldn’t invade Finland.”
https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-finlandization-macron-zelenskiy-helsinki/31697728.html
“Beware comparing Ukraine with Finland.” - Financial Times (paywall)
NATO chief Stoltenberg cautions that warning time for Russian attack on Ukraine is decreasing
(Politico)
“NATO defense ministers will assess options for further strengthening allied security next week, Stoltenberg said, warning the alliance “will not compromise on core principles,” including the “right of each nation to choose its own path and NATO’s ability to protect and defend all allies.”
https://www.politico.eu/article/stoltenberg-johnson-russia-ukraine-nato-invasion-moscow-putin/
“Stoltenberg: Vene vägede koondumine on ohtlik hetk Euroopa julgeoleku jaoks.” - Postimees
“Briti ja Vene välisministri tänast kohtumist Moskvas saatis tuline vaidlus.” - Postimees
“What is Russia's problem with NATO?” - Euronews
UK’s PM Boris Johnson cites ‘a dangerous moment’ in Ukraine crisis
(AP | RFERL)
“… and we’ve got to get it right,” Johnson said at NATO headquarters in Brussels.”
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https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-truss-lavrov-exercises/31695968.html
Intervjuu: Kersti Kaljulaid
(Postimees)
“See ei ole usu küsimus ja pole ka mõtet tegeleda ennustamisega, mis toimub homme, ülehomme, olümpiamängude lõppedes või kevadel, kui maa sulab. Märksa mõistlikum on teha kõik selleks, et sõda Ukrainas ei ägeneks. Rääkida sõja puhkemisest on vale, kuna sõda Ukrainas käib aastast 2014, see ei ole külmunud konflikt. Meie tegevus peab olema suunatud sellele, et ägenemine ära hoida, ja selle hulka käivad kahtlemata nii läbirääkimised kui ka kõik need teadaanded, et Ukrainat aidatakse.”
Russia and Belarus began 10 days of joint military drills at Ukrainian border
(The Guardian)
“Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Russian general staff, arrived in Belarus on Wednesday to oversee the drills. Russia has moved up to 30,000 troops, two battalions of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and numerous fighter jets into Belarus for joint training exercises with the Belarusian army. Satellite imagery shows much of the hardware has been moved to locations close to the border with Ukraine.”
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“… the drills show that Belarusian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, is a firm ally in Putin’s Ukraine policy.”
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“Lukashenko will not be able to resist giving Belarusian territory for whatever purposes Russia needs it, whether it’s marching through, using Belarusian military facilities, airbases, maybe potentially even the air defence system,” said Artyom Shraibman, a Belarusian political analyst.”
“Western Officials Warn Russia’s Troops in Belarus Could Be Permanent.” - Foreign Policy
“Russia, Belarus Begin War Games Amid Outcry From Ukraine, West.” - RFERL
‘A 1938 moment’: Lithuanian PM warns about Russian troops in Belarus
(The Guardian)
“After the elections and demonstrations in August 2020 in Belarus, Lukashenko is now out of options about what he can do,” she said. “Before he was flirting with the EU, releasing some prisoners for money. He played this dual strategy, but he cannot do that any more. No one regards him as legitimate in Belarus. He needs money and Russia’s help to survive. He is dependent on them.”
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“This current buildup of Russian forces in Belarus is unscheduled. There was a Russian military exercise in 2021. If these military exercises mean weaponry and troops will remain on Belarus soil indefinitely, that changes the calculations substantially.”
Would Russians Embrace War?
(Foreign Affairs)
“Although Putin’s ratings have little meaning in comparison with those of Western leaders, given the lack of any effective opposition in Russia, Putin continues to enjoy the approval of more than 60 percent of the population. And he seems to be convinced that first, returning Ukraine to Russia’s sphere of influence and turning it into a buffer state is an achievable goal and second, moving toward that goal can maintain and reinforce his popularity at home.”
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“So far, he has succeeded. He has kept the world in a state of tension and uncertainty without significantly undermining his support at home. And currently, there is no organized movement in Russia against a war. But that could quickly change in the event of a military conflict.”
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2022-02-09/would-russians-embrace-war
Salajane skeem: Kuidas RMK kestvuslepingutest miljoneid eurosid lisakasu lõigata
Ülle Harju, Postimees
“RMK kestvuslepingute salajaste punktide abil saavad puiduostjad soovi korral riigilt aastas isegi miljoneid eurosid välja lüpsta ja saada eelise ilma kestvuslepinguta ettevõtete ees.”
“RMK müüs puitu 52 miljoni euro jagu oksjonihindadest odavamalt.” - Postimees 5. jaanuar
“Eesti rikkumist Natura metsade kaitsmisel menetletakse ülima saladuskatte all.” - Maaleht 9. veebruar
“Estonia suspends logging at Natura 2000 forest habitat sites for 28 months.” - Baltic Times 4. February
Wednesday 9. February
NATO commander: Currently no threat to Baltic states from Russia, Belarus
(ERR)
"If you look at the posture of the Russian troops in Belarus then, yes, you have to consider militarily whether it is a threat to the Baltic states and more particular to Lithuania now. But then of course you have to look at intent as well, are there indications that the Russians or Belarus has an intention to hurt the Baltic states and, in particular, Lithuania? And up until now, we don't see an intent, we don't expect an attack on NATO soil by Russia - either directly or via Belarus."
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“Bauer said an invasion of Ukraine could be possible at the end of February.”
“The recent number of attempts to illegally cross the Latvian-Belarusian border is abnormal.” - BNN
“Ukraina asekaitseminister: vahetut Vene rünnaku ohtu pole.” - Postimees
“Uuring: kaitseväelaste toit on tasemel, tervislikkuse osas on arenguruumi.” - Novaator
“Estonia announces EUR 693 million tender for military wheeled vehicles.” - Baltic Times
“Nato practises for winter combat on Russia's doorstep in Estonia.” - The Straits Times
“NATO battlegroup wraps up largest winter exercise in Estonia.” - NATO
“UK and Estonian forces team up to tackle sub-zero conditions.” - Forces Net
Estonia has decided to ban large scale solar power plants in northeast regions bordering Russia
(PV Magazine)
“… claiming that these facilities may affect radio system performance. The restrictions will affect, mostly, several projects under development in East-Viru county, where there are several depleted mines and surfaces with low agricultural value.”
Ukraine response reveals Europe’s security is changing
(Chatham House)
“Britain’s relationship with Ukraine appears to be thriving, with Ukrainian defence journalist Illia Ponomarenko recently tweeting the ‘British are just unstoppable these days’ and that the UK finds itself ‘on the right side of history’ while one Ukrainian wine bar has started offering free drinks to British nationals.”
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“The question for leaders in Paris, Berlin, and Brussels is how to deal with an active Britain committed to Europe but under no obligation to work within EU processes.”
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/02/ukraine-response-reveals-europes-security-changing
Tuesday 8. February
Electricity price cap in Estonia stopped price increase in January
(BNN)
“The consumer price index in Estonia in January 2022 compared to the last month of 2021 decreased by 0.1% …”
https://bnn-news.com/electricity-price-cap-in-estonia-stopped-price-increase-in-january-232519
Estonia nominates the 380-year-old King’s Pine as European Tree of the Year
By Silver Tambur, Estonian World
“The tree with a rich history is in Järvselja Primeval Forest, Tartu County – the oldest forest protection area in Estonia, established in 1924. Since then, no felling or harvesting of dead trees has taken place here. The Järvselja nature trail, that passes by the King’s Pine, gives an idea what a real primordial forest looks like in Estonian conditions.”
War in Ukraine could send cyber attacks and refugees to Estonia
(ERR)
“… Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense Kusti Salm told ERR. "When war breaks out, no matter how long and bloody it is, war refugees will accompany it," Salm told ERR. He said as Estonia is relatively close to Ukraine and there are almost 30,000 Ukrainian citizens living here, some people may move here to live with relatives.”
https://news.err.ee/1608490430/war-in-ukraine-could-send-cyber-attacks-and-refugees-to-estonia
“Most Europeans want to stand with Kyiv against Moscow, poll suggests.” - The Guardian
“Putin's use of crude language reveals a lot about his worldview.” - CNN
“War in Ukraine will leave Russia more isolated politically and more damaged militarily.” - The National Interest
“As Russian forces keep building, Ukrainians resist the urge to panic.” - CBC
“Hungary won't accept more NATO troops on its soil.” - Euronews
“Russia accuses West of ramping up pressure with Ukraine arms supplies.” - Reuters
Sweden returns to cold war tactics to battle fake news
(The Guardian)
“A top official from Sweden’s new “psychological defence” agency said the country had decided to bring back the cold war-era government body amid fears over Russian aggression against Ukraine. Magnus Hjort, deputy director of the agency, which was re-established last month to combat foreign disinformation, said concerns were especially heightened ahead of Sweden’s general election in September, against the backdrop of Europe’s “deteriorating security situation”.
And Finally:
Norway Underestimated How Fast It Could Phase Out Gas-Burning Cars
(Bloomberg)
“In January of 2022, nearly 84 percent of new cars sold in Norway were EVs … Norway could be three years ahead of schedule for phasing out ICE cars altogether.”
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