Estonian nature folklore website publishes Estonian heritage in translation
(ERR)
“For European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, the Estonian Folklore Archive of the Estonian Literature Museum prepared the Estonian nature folklore website. Now available online in English, Estonian, and several South Estonian languages. The Nature Folklore website includes ancient folk songs regilaul (or runolaul), magic spells, tales, riddles, proverbs, beliefs and folk wisdom from the Estonian Folklore Archives of the Estonian Literary Museum. In addition to the texts, melody notations, pictures, audio and video recordings, as well as theoretical approaches and references will be published.”
“Eesti Looduspärimus.”
https://www.folklore.ee/loodus/
“Estonian Nature Folklore.”
https://www.folklore.ee/loodus/en
Northern lights appear over Estonia
(ERR | Õhtuleht | Tartu Postimees)
“Regional daily Tartu Postimees reported that the phenomenon could be seen, for instance, in Veie, Jõgeva County, in Vahi, near Tartu, and in Palupera, near Elva, Tartu County."
https://news.err.ee/1609104776/northern-lights-seen-over-estonia-monday-night
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https://www.ohtuleht.ee/loodus/1092308/galerii-virmalised-panid-eesti-taeva-hooguma
—
https://tartu.postimees.ee/7857865/pildid-oine-taevas-helendas-virmalistest
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EstoNews on-line:
ISSN 2994-4414
https://estonewsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
Dropbox Archive:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1kvd04gtar6ty2b/AADCUK2J_RXcMyIYf_sjnAwoa?dl=0
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Friday 22. September
Report: 98% of Europeans are breathing highly damaging polluted air
(The Guardian)
“The current WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms a cubic metre (µg/m3). The new analysis found only 2% of the population of Europe live in areas within this limit. Experts say PM2.5 pollution causes about 400,000 deaths a year across the continent.”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/20/revealed-almost-everyone-in-europe-breathing-toxic-air?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
“The Guardian’s interactive map of the worst-hit areas in Europe.”
Vastupanuvõitluse päeva puhul mälestati Metsakalmistul Otto Tiefi
(Postimees)
“Vastupanuvõitluse päeva on Eestis tähistatud alates 2007. aastast. 22. septembril meenutatakse päeva, mil algas võitlus vaba ja demokraatliku Eesti eest.”
“Õpilased heiskasid vastupanuvõitluse päeval riigilipu.” - ERR
Valitsus laenab tuleval aastal 1,16 miljardit eurot
(ERR)
“Neljapäevasel valitsuse pressikonverentsil valitsuse liikmed põhimõttelise kokkuleppe saanud eelarvest kuigivõrd lisainformatsiooni anda ei tahtnud, samas märkisid valitsuse liikmed, et järgmise aasta eelarve puudujääk tuleb 2,8 protsenti SKP-st, mis tähendab 1,16 miljardit eurot laenuvajadust. Peaminister Kaja Kallas ütles neljapäevasel pressikonverentsil, et eelarves oli raske kokkuleppele jõuda ja riigi rahandus on hullus olukorras.”
https://www.err.ee/1609107542/valitsus-laenab-tuleval-aastal-1-16-miljardit-eurot
How to plan an epic 2,141 km hike through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
(Lonely Planet)
“The Baltic Forest Route and the Baltic Coastal Route – which together form the Baltic Trails – are two long-distance hiking paths that stretch across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Measuring 2141km (1330 miles), the Forest Route starts in the Lithuanian town of Lazdijai on the Polish border and ends in Tallinn’s Old Town. … fit walkers can complete the whole distance in 100 to 110 days.”
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/planning-baltic-trails-hiking-estonia-latvia-lithuania
Estonian intelligence doubts either Ukraine or Russia will have major success on front soon
(Yahoo)
“… citing assessment by Colonel Ants Kiviselg, new Chief of the Military Intelligence Centre of the Estonian Defence Forces.”
https://news.yahoo.com/estonian-intelligence-doubts-either-ukraine-165926500.html
Thursday 21. September
Eesti ja Soome vaated sõjale on NATOs olles ikkagi erinevad
(Postimees Arvamus)
“Soome ja Eesti vaated Ukraina sõjale on erinevad. … Kui Soome sai NATO liikmeks, eeldati, et lõpuks langevad Eesti ja Soome julgeolekupoliitilised vaated kokku. Ometi pakuvad hiljuti ilmunud kaks teksti vihje, et nii pole läinud, kirjutab arvamustoimetaja Erkki Bahovski.”
Tallinna lennujaam kavandab oma alale suurt arendust ja uut terminalihoonet
(ERR)
“Tallinna linnavalitsus algatas lennujaama loode piirkonna detailplaneeringu, mille järgi kerkib sinna paarkümmend ärihoonet; lisaks ehitatakse lennujaamale uus peasissepääsuhoone ning laiendatakse praegust peahoonet.”
“Tallinn Airport planning major new development, terminal building.”
“Lennujaama ümbrusest saab üks olulisemaid Tallinna väravaid.” - Pealinn
‘Väga lihtne on olla neutraalne, kui oled ümbritsetud NATO-st’
(ERR)
“President Ilves Šveitsile: miks te siis üldse relvi toodate?”
https://www.err.ee/1609105676/president-ilves-sveitsile-miks-te-siis-uldse-relvi-toodate
Former president Ilves urges Switzerland to lift ban on arms exports
(Swiss Info)
“It’s very easy to be neutral when you’re surrounded by NATO, says former Estonian President Toomas Ilves … Ilves does not conceal his disappointment that the Swiss authorities are maintaining their policy of neutrality on Ukraine.”
Study: Estonia’s nuclear plant would create 720 tons of waste
(BNS via Estonian World)
“The decision to build a nuclear power plant has not yet been made … In the latest analysis, experts assessed the quantities of radioactive waste to be generated by the plant and the options for its management and disposal. As there are no small reactors suitable for Estonia in commission yet, the waste quantities shown in the study are estimates based on the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor, which is considered to be basically suitable for Estonia, and on the experience of nuclear power plants to date.”
https://estonianworld.com/technology/study-estonias-nuclear-plant-would-create-720-tons-of-waste/
Cranes leaving Estonia for southern climes, via three different routes
(ERR)
“Early fall in Estonia brings with it the chance to see one of the most spectacular shows from the natural world in the form of the annual migration southwards of the country's summertime population of cranes.”
—
“For those that wish to observe the exodus, ornithologist Tarvo Valker listed the "Matsalu national park (Rahvuspark), either in Põgari-Sassi or Rannajõe; similarly, in Lahemaa (national park), on the north coast, where it is possible to view quite large flocks of cranes."
https://news.err.ee/1609106021/cranes-leaving-estonia-for-southern-climes-via-three-different-routes
Estonia plans loitering-munitions unit to hunt enemy air defenses
(Defense One)
“Inspired by the wars in Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh … Estonian Land Forces Maj. Andrei Šlabovitš said he believed it would be the first unit of its kind in NATO, whose members have been watching the Ukrainian military’s extensive use of these one-way attack drones. ... Šlabovitš said Estonia would use the Mini-Harpy. … members of Estonia’s Defense League, a military reserve force, have gone as civilians to Ukraine to learn from drone units during the war.”
'Mini-Harpy' Tech Specs
(The Aviationist | IAI)
“Harpy is a “Fire and Forget” autonomous weapon, programmed on the ground and launched from canisters normally mounted on trucks at standoff ranges. Immediately after the rocket-assisted launch, the munition unfolds its wings and activates its piston engine with a two-blade pusher propeller that can take it up to a top speed of 225 kts and a maximum altitude of 15,000 ft. The missile then performs autonomous flight to a pre-defined “Loitering Area”, in which they orbit while searching for radiating targets.” [Operational Range is listed as 62 miles.]
https://theaviationist.com/2022/01/07/iai-loitering-munitions/
—
https://www.iai.co.il/p/mini-harpy
Maryland Guard Teaches Ambush Tactics to Estonian Partners
(National Guard)
“The training was conducted in rotations Sept. 16-18, with each squad of eight to 10 soldiers learning how to set up, react to and plan ambushes.”
“Maryland Guard, Estonian Partners Focus on Cyber Defense.”
How did Finnair descend from grace to ground?
(Helsinki Times)
“Once Finland's crown jewel, the partly state-owned Finnair has seen a steady decline in its stature. "The world is like an apple," begins a nostalgic Finnair advertisement from the 1960s. "We live here," illustrates a hand, sketching a modest circle on the apple. "While we've been exploring nearby destinations, this spring heralds a leap farther. With our two majestic DC-8-62 jets, we promise America. Daily flights via Amsterdam and Copenhagen lead you to New York …”
https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/business/24180-how-did-finnair-descend-from-grace-to-ground.html
“Helsinki Airport ground staff sudden walkout prompts flight cancellations.” - Yle
“Finland's largest union to launch campaign against government cuts next week.” - Yle
Poland will no longer send weapons to Ukraine as grain dispute escalates
(Radio Poland | The Guardian)
“The Polish government spokesman said on Thursday that his country was not sending any new weapons to Ukraine except previously agreed supplies of ammunition and armaments.”
—
“Polish and Baltic presidents seek solution to Ukrainian grain issue.” - Baltic Times
“Warsaw makes a risky political bet in attacking Ukraine.” - Politico Europe
“Zelenskyy's other challenge? Fighting persistent Ukraine corruption.” - CBC
Wednesday 20. September
Noor eestlane Siberist
Maria Metsalo, Vaba Eesti Sõna
“Minu nimi on Maria Metsalo ja ma olen pärit Siberist, Krasnojarskist. Olen viimased neli aastat õppinud Eestis ja praegu õpin viimast aastat Kõrgeimas Kunstikoolis Pallases Tartus. Viimase kümnendi oma elust olen suuresti pühendanud oma suguvõsa uurimisele. Soovin teiega jagada oma lugu sellest, kuidas ma kolisin Siberist Eesti ja olen läbi raskuste leidnud Eestis oma kodu.”
https://www.vabaeestisona.com/et/maria-metusalo-noor-eestlane-siberist/
Balti riigid satuvad sõja korral ajahätta
(Postimees Arvamus)
“NATO Euroopa vägede ülemjuhataja on avaldanud muret Balti kaitseolukorra pärast. … Balti riigid saavad rahu ajal teha päris palju selleks, et sõja puhkedes aega juurde võita. … Idapiiri taristu pole mõeldud sõjalise operatsiooni tõkestamiseks, NATO vajab Balti valli.”
https://arvamus.postimees.ee/7858842/fookus-balti-riigid-satuvad-soja-korral-ajahatta
UN General Assembly: President Karis
(United Nations Summary)
“He called for Moscow’s political and military leadership to bear individual responsibility for launching the war of aggression, a crime against peace, and a misuse of the Security Council. “A lie is always a lie, no matter how nice it sounds,” he stressed. Meanwhile, if impunity is allowed to prevail, the international community puts its virtues, values and moral norms in question, as the international response to the war has an existential significance for all. In that context, he emphasized the need for Council reform while the world is out of joint, as that 15-member organ is “close to a dead end”, unable to act or make decisions on the biggest conflicts in the heart of Europe after the Second World War. That paralysis has numerous global implications, including the inability to offer conflict resolution or address migration and food security. …”
https://gadebate.un.org/en/78/estonia
President Karis in New York for UN General Assembly this week
(ERR)
“At the heart of Karis' meetings and addresses in New York this week will be the need to reform the UN Security Council (UNSC) in order to remove voting rights from aggressor states, continued support for Ukraine as a victim of Russia's aggression as well as enhanced cooperation with countries situated further from the transatlantic axis …”
“Karis Interview on CNN: UN Must be Reformed.”
“President Karis: Venemaalt tuleb ÜRO-s vetoõigus ära võtta.” - Estonian World Review
“Estonian president to UN secgen: Russia behaving like pirate in Black Sea.”
Estonia’s autonomous robot pharmacy
(Euronews)
“This unmanned robotic pharmacy from Estonia could revolutionise out-of-hours healthcare and medicine across Europe. … The Estonian start-up has developed a fully autonomous, unmanned, robotic pharmacy that can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their technology, which launched in March, allows patients to buy prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines via a touchscreen and have video consultations with a pharmacist. Robotic hardware then dispenses a patient's order, while artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of sales data ensures the pharmacy is sufficiently stocked.”
“President Karis calls on American entrepreneurs to invest in Estonia.” - The Baltic Times
Sangaste Castle to be put up for auction, opening price €2.6 million
(ERR)
“The reason for the sale is debts incurred; the property had ended up in private hands and away from municipal control during and after the course of local government reforms in Estonia in 2017.”
https://news.err.ee/1609104584/sangaste-castle-to-be-put-up-for-auction-opening-price-2-6-million
Sweden's prime minister stays calm over Hungary Nato omission
(Radio Sweden)
“It looks like Hungary's parliament will not be debating Sweden's Nato bid next week when it reconvenes after the summer break, with no mention of the topic on its agenda.”
https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/swedens-prime-minister-stays-calm-over-hungary-nato-omission
Is Finland the best place in the world to be a parent?
(The Guardian)
“Finland is a world leader when it comes to early years education. Childcare is affordable and nursery places are universally available in a system that puts children's rights at the centre of decision-making.”
Rail Baltica will uncouple the Baltic states from Russia
(Euronews)
“The 870 km Rail Baltica project, which is due for completion in 2030, will connect the capitals of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with Warsaw and the rest of Europe, allowing trains from the continent to run uninterrupted.
However, the project is symbolic as well as physical.”
—
“For the EU, it’s a statement about the Baltic states’ return to Europe and their decoupling from their Soviet past.”
- Russia’s Forever War -
Revealed: How Russia deliberately targeted Kherson’s hospitals
(The Guardian, registration required)
“A new report by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) reveals the extent to which Moscow has systematically shelled public medical facilities. Open-source investigators found seven had been damaged in 14 separate attacks over six months between December 2022 and May 2023.”
—
“Russia’s activities in Kherson are strikingly reminiscent of Russian tactics in Syria, where apparently punitive strikes were delivered day after day for years in rebel-held areas of Idlib and Aleppo,” CIR said. These were “unconnected to any ground operations”, and typically directed at “medical infrastructure” and water treatment plants. … They occupied the city for nine months and are familiar with its locations.”
Russian Offensive Campaign
Assessment: 19. Sept, 20. Sept
(ISW)
“Russian and Ukrainian sources credited superior Ukrainian combat coordination, more precise artillery fire, and stronger electronic warfare (EW) systems for recent Ukrainian advances south of Bakhmut amid continued discussions of significant Russian losses in the area.”
—
“Russian losses have reportedly significantly increased in western Zaporizhia Oblast in recent days, and the Russian military likely struggles with a lack of available combat-effective units that the Russian command is willing to laterally redeploy to this sector of the front.”
—
“The Kremlin continues efforts to strengthen its control of the Russian information space ahead of the September 2024 Russian presidential elections.”
—
“The Ukrainian General Staff stated that Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations and inflicted significant losses on Russian manpower and equipment in the Melitopol (western Zaporizhia Oblast) direction.”
—
“Russian servicemen and milbloggers revealed that the Russian military command orders Russian troops to carry out “ill-conceived and unsupported” counterattacks on Bakhmut’s southern flank to urgently regain lost ground.”
—
“Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported that unspecified saboteurs damaged Russian strategic aircraft at Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow on September 18.”
—
“Estonian intelligence: Russians may relocate ships from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.” - Ukrainska Pravda via Yahoo
“Moscow Tries to Bolster Military Forces While Avoiding Overt Mobilization.” - Jamestown Org.
“Russia Doesn't Have a Good Strategy for Winning the War.” - Spiegel
“A Sea of Explosives 1,000 Kilometers Long.” - Spiegel
Claim: Ukraine’s forces say NATO trained them for wrong fight
(Politico Europe)
“It seems the training Ukrainian soldiers received was based more on what NATO forces have been most used to in recent years — counterinsurgency warfare, with some American-style “show-and-awe” thrown in. And while Ukrainians praise the drills on basic infantry tactics, reconnaissance and how to get close to the enemy unseen, as well as methods taught for storming trenches and buildings, they cite a lack of training on drone and mine awareness, explosive ordnance disposal and defensive combat.”
—
“When it comes to integrating drone warfare and how to overcome enemy drones, they received scant counsel — most likely because NATO forces have not yet caught up and adapted their own infantry training to the technology.”
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-war-army-nato-trained-them-wrong-fight/
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