In Estonia, backing Ukraine isn’t controversial 

… but gay marriage is 

By Stuart Lau

(Politico Europe)

“Currently non-existent throughout the former Soviet nations, same-sex marriage has emerged as one of the major issues in coalition talks led by Kallas, the Estonian prime minister whose party won the most votes in elections in early March.”

—

“For liberals, this could be their best chance to get gay marriage on the statute books. While the registered partnership act of 2014 did grant some limited rights to gay and lesbian couples, it was never implemented as there was always a conservative party in government blocking its adoption. This time, with Kallas inviting two liberal parties into the coalition, Estonia could be on course to become the first Baltic to allow same-sex marriage.”

https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-backing-ukraine-controversial-gay-marriage/

Trump: Russia is not a threat  

By Charlie Sykes 

(The Bulwark, Commentary - 17. March 2023)

“Pay attention to this. Please. … Donald Trump (is) channeling Kremlin propaganda, siding with Russia, even as he declares that our real enemy is other Americans. … this man is the presumptive nominee of the Republican party, and therefore possibly the next president of the United States. … You should be alarmed.”

https://morningshots.thebulwark.com/p/trump-picks-an-enemy-us

“Finally, we have to finish the process we began under my administration of fundamentally reevaluating NATO's purpose and NATO's mission.”

Donald Trump video via Twitter

____________

“Putin can be replaced. He's not a superhero. He doesn't have any superpowers. He's just an ordinary dictator.”  Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who resigned publicly over the invasion of Ukraine last year

“Vast majority of Europeans see Russia as an adversary, poll finds.” - Politico Europe

____________

Friday 17. March 2023

Final respects paid to Estonian volunteer Ivo Jurak in Kyiv

(Postimees)

“Comrades in arms and the Estonian ambassador to Ukraine paid their last respects to Ivo Jurak, an Estonian killed in combat near Bakhmut last week, in a ceremony in Kyiv on Thursday morning. Almost the entire unit Jurak was part of, which was pulled out of the battles of Bakhmut shortly after his death, was present at the ceremony. Many were wounded, but still showed up to pay their last respects. … Jurak's remains were cremated in a crematorium in the Kyiv City Center Cemetery. His ashes will be delivered to his loved ones in Estonia in the coming days.”

https://news.postimees.ee/7734037/final-respects-paid-to-estonian-volunteer-ivo-jurak-in-kyiv

Rahvusvaheline kriminaalkohus esitas määruse Putini vahistamiseks

(ERR)

“Rahvusvaheline kriminaalkohus (ICC – International Criminal Court) teatas reedel, et esitas kahele inimesele vahistamismääruse – Vladimir Vladimiroviš Putin ja Maria Aleksejevna Lvova-Belova.”

https://www.err.ee/1608918833/rahvusvaheline-kriminaalkohus-esitas-maaruse-putini-vahistamiseks

“Putini vahistamise määrusest: see on samm õiglase kohtupäeva poole.” - Postimees

Türgi jõudis Soome NATOga liitumise asjas otsusele

(Postimees | ERR)

“Türgi otsustas alustada Soome NATOga liitumiseks vajalikku ratifitseerimisprotsessi parlamendis ja tegi selle teatavaks tänasel Türgi president Recep Tayyip Erdoğani ning Soome president Sauli Niinistö kohtumisel.”

https://maailm.postimees.ee/7734584/turgi-joudis-soome-natoga-liitumise-asjas-otsusele

—

https://www.err.ee/1608918794/erdogan-turgi-alustab-soome-nato-ga-liitumise-ratifitseerimist

Turkey's Erdogan seals deal on Finland joining Nato

(BBC | NPR | 

“Finland's bid to join Nato has finally secured the backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey had blocked Finland's application for months, complaining it had supported ‘terrorists’."

—

“At a press conference in Ankara with his Finnish counterpart, Mr Erdogan praised Finland's "authentic and concrete steps" on Turkish security. Any Nato expansion needs the support of all its members - and Finland is now a step closer to joining. A vote will go to Turkey's parliament to approve its application.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64986744

—

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/17/1164236651/turkey-finland-nato-erdogan-sweden

ICC judges issue arrest warrant against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

(International Criminal Court)

Press Release

“Today, 17. March 2023, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) issued warrants of arrest for two individuals in the context of the situation in Ukraine: Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Ms. Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova.”

—

“… there are reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population and that of unlawful transfer of population from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, in prejudice of Ukrainian children.”

https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and

“Russia has kidnapped more than 16,000 children from Ukraine.” - TVP

“Arrest warrant issued for Putin over war crimes; move 'could hasten his removal’.” - CNN

Reactions to ICC's arrest warrant for Putin citing Ukraine war crimes

(Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/reactions-iccs-arrest-warrant-putin-over-ukraine-war-crimes-2023-03-17/

“Kremlin’s press secretary told journalists that Russian “doesn’t recognize” the International Criminal Court.” - Meduza

“International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes in Ukraine.” - CBC

“International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President.” - CNBC

French Griffons and AMX-10s arrive in Estonia

(ERR | Baltic Times)

“The 17 Griffons and 3 AMX-10s reached Tapa Army Base by rail as part of the continuing French representation within Estonia's NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup (eFP BG) and will be used by the new 350-strong rotation of French troops.”

https://news.err.ee/1608917594/french-griffons-and-amx-10s-arrive-in-estonia

—

https://www.baltictimes.com/french_armored_carriers__wheeled_tanks_arrive_in_estonia/

Russia’s War in Ukraine: Myths and Lessons

(Kaitseminissteerium)

“Some common narratives that have surfaced during the ongoing war suggest that Russia is conventionally weakened, has strategically failed, and is completely deterred by NATO – thereby, of little serious danger for the Allies. The following paper addresses these misconceptions.”

https://kaitseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/myths_and_lessons_0.pdf

—

https://kaitseministeerium.ee/en/mythsandlessons

"Estonia dispels six widespread myths about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine." - Euromaidan

Wagner sepitseb Itaalia kaitseministri mõrva ja grupil on rakuke ka Eestis

(Postimees)

“… Wagneri grupil on Euroopas vähemalt kaks rakukest: üks Balkanil Serbias ning Albaanias, teine aga Eestis.”

—

“Väidetavalt olla Wagneril nn võitlusvalmis paarkümmend sõdurit, kes on võimelised Euroopas operatsioone läbi viima. Sarnased hirmud, nagu praegu Itaalias, on tekkinud teisteski riikides, näiteks Poolas ja Prantsusmaal.”

https://www.postimees.ee/7733635/itaalia-luure-wagner-sepitseb-itaalia-kaitseministri-morva-ja-grupil-on-rakuke-ka-eestis

He Left Nigeria for Peace of Mind in Estonia

(Zikoko)

“… a tech bro who wanted to move to Estonia for one reason: to get peace of mind from Nigeria’s problems. He talks about how he decided to move on a whim, the migration process and the craziness of Estonia’s culture shocks.”

https://www.zikoko.com/citizen/i-left-nigeria-for-peace-of-mind-in-estonia-abroad-life/

Vene sissetungijad vastutavad Zelenskõi sõnul iga hävitatud elu eest

(Postimees)

“Aasta tagasi sooritasid Vene sõjaväelased selle sõja ühe kõige hullema kuriteo. Vene pommid hävitasid Mariupolis teatri. Hoone, mida kasutati varjendina. Seal oli naisi lastega, rasedaid, vanureid. Tsiviilobjekt, mille okupant tahtlikult hävitas. Me ei tea ikka veel täpset hukkunute arvu. Sajad inimesed? Tuhat? Hoone kõrval olevad sildid »Lapsed« näitasid selgelt, kes olid Venemaa sihtmärgiks. Ja see oli vaid üks paljudest sellistest sõjaroimadest. Kurjuse riik vastutab iga Ukrainas hävitatud elu eest.”

https://www.postimees.ee/7734244/vene-sissetungijad-vastutavad-zelenskoi-sonul-iga-havitatud-elu-eest

“Kuidas läheb rindel Eestis väljaõppe saanud Ukraina sõduritel.” - ERR

“Eesti saadab Ukrainale snaiperrelvi ja erivarustust.” - ERR

Former NATO Chief: Trump could sabotage the war

(Politico)

“Trump’s nomination would blow up Republican support for Ukraine, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen. … Rasmussen, a right-of-center politician who is now a white-shoe international consultant, remains scared of Trump. What disturbs him more immediately than the idea of Trump back in the White House is a far likelier scenario: Trump winning the Republican presidential nomination. Just by winning the Republican nomination Trump could shatter the bipartisan front in favor of Ukraine …”

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/15/former-nato-chief-trump-could-sabotage-war-00087075

Thursday 16. March

RAF and German jets intercept Russian aircraft near Estonian airspace

(BBC | Moscow News | AP)

“RAF and German fighter jets have intercepted a Russian aircraft near Estonian airspace in the first joint operation of its kind. The two Typhoons were scrambled on Tuesday to intercept an Il-78 Midas refuelling plane flying between St Petersburg and Kaliningrad.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64960706

—

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/15/uk-germany-make-first-joint-interception-of-russian-aircraft-near-nato-airspace-reports-a80487

—

https://apnews.com/article/uk-germany-russia-jet-intercepted-estonia-f1d69b1f3f06cb4ed042c3692dcfca74

Estonia gives Ukraine sniper weapons, equipment worth €494,000

(InterFax | Army Tech)

“Our big initiative is to jointly purchase one million artillery shells by the European Union, but we must also continue with smaller, targeted aid packages. Hence our today's decision to direct this aid package, as a continuation of the previous one, to equip Special Forces and snipers.” 

- Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur

https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/897904.html

—

https://www.army-technology.com/news/estonia-sniper-rifles-equipment-ukraine/

“Jets from Poland, guns from Estonia: NATO countries ramping up aid for Ukraine.” - TVP

Germany’s armed forces are prepared to guard Baltic States

(BNN)

“… said Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said during his visit to Estonia on Wednesday, the 15th of March. “NATO is prepared to defend every square centimetre of its members’ soil. We are together with Baltic States and we affirm our commitment to providing support. You can depend on Germany.”

https://bnn-news.com/german-president-promises-his-countrys-armed-forces-will-guard-baltic-states-243983

“Germany to put 2 percent NATO spending pledge in writing.” - Politico

“Eestisse saabusid Prantsuse soomusmasinad Griffon ja tankid AMX-10.” - ERR

“France deploys new Griffon armored vehicles to Estonia.” - Defense Blog

Interview: A Latvian sniper in Ukraine

(Latvian Broadcasting)

“The volunteer combatant with the nickname "Red Fox" has been in Ukraine since February 24 of last year. … When asked how many enemy soldiers he has shot, Red Fox answers: "Twenty-one so far. But those are the confirmed ones."

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/features/16.03.2023-red-fox-interview-with-a-latvian-sniper-in-ukraine.a501053/

Wednesday 15. March

Interview: Kaja Kallas 

Christiane Amanpour, CNN

“Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tells Christiane Amanpour she is "worried' about an atmosphere of appeasement to Russia.”

https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2023/03/14/amanpour-kaja-kallas-estonia-ukraine-war-russia.cnn

“Estonia’s Election Was More Than Just a Win for Kallas.” - WPR

Ukrainian refugees not interested to move from Estonia to Finland

(ERR)

“… the last two months have only seen three families and a cat make the move north. Three adults and six children over the age of ten.”

https://news.err.ee/1608914909/almost-no-interest-among-ukrainian-refugees-to-move-from-estonia-to-finland

Estonia arrests three politicians suspected of ties with Russia

(Euroweekly)

“Harju County Court in Estonia recently arrested Aivo Peterson, the leader of the Koos social movement Koos for two months. Two of his associates, Dmitry Roots, and Russian citizen Andrey Andronov, were also detained for the same period.”

https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/03/13/estonia-arrests-three-politicians-suspected-of-establishing-ties-with-russia/

“Poland’s security services smashes Russian spy ring.” - Politico Europe

Former NATO chief: Trump nomination would be ‘geopolitical catastrophe’

(The Hill)

“… because he could influence international affairs like the war between Russia and Ukraine. … Trump has consistently pushed for Russia and Ukraine to engage in negotiations to end the conflict, differing from many in his party who have remained steadfast in supporting Ukraine, especially at times when U.S. support for Ukraine was more overwhelming.”

https://thehill.com/policy/international/3900921-former-nato-chief-trump-nomination-would-be-geopolitical-catastrophe/

“Rift Among Republicans Grows Over US Support for Ukraine.” - VOA

“DeSantis Will Betray Ukraine for MAGA Votes.” - Tom Nichols, Atlantic

Lithuanian parliament designates Wagner Group as terrorist organization

(Meduza)

“117 legislators voted in favor of the designation. No one abstained from voting, and no one voted against the proposed resolution, which states that the private mercenary company (PMC) poses a threat to state and public security. The document acknowledges that, since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the PMC and its recruits have been committing “systematic and grave crimes of aggression,” including “killing and torture of Ukrainian civilians, as well as air strikes on residential buildings and other civilian objects, which amounts to terrorism.”

https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/03/14/lithuanian-parliament-designates-wagner-group-as-terrorist-organization

“Wagner’s founder Evgeny Prigozhin is in a fight for his life.” - Spectator

“Wagner’s convicts tell of horrors of Ukraine war and loyalty to their leader.” - Reuters

What's Ahead for Belarus-Russia Integration?

(Stratfor Worldview)

“Given Belarus' already deep economic reliance on Russia, the Kremlin's future aspirations for integration will likely focus on social and institutional issues. All the Union State programs authorized for 2021-2023 primarily pertain to greater economic alignment; in addition to steps such as harmonized monetary and tariff policy formalized in 2022, by the end of 2023, Russia and Belarus are supposed to agree to a common gas market, unified consumer protection rules and unified nuclear energy policy. This will bring Belarus' economic integration with Russia to near completion. Russia already serves as the country's main trading partner.”

https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2023/03/14/whats_ahead_for_belarus-russia_integration_887393.html

- Putin’s Forever War -

War as the new normal

(Meduza)

“Putin’s reasons for prolonging the war … have less to do with foreign policy than with the Russian president’s need to buttress his autocratic power at home. The less successful he is in his “military operation,” the more likely it is that Putin will continue embroiling Russia in routinized warfare, in order to postpone the defeat that might signal the beginning of the end for Putin’s seemingly limitless presidency. It is for the sake of keeping the domestic threats at bay that Putin is now trying to reorganize Russian society around perpetual warfare.”

—

“As a leader, Putin cannot extricate himself from this war without facing the gravest accusations and possibly even threats to his life. As a result, his only way out of warfare is to crush the adversary, if he can. But given how big an ‘if’ this is, his best option is to perpetuate the war, since any conditional peace would probably mean Putin’s removal from power, followed by severe repercussions.”

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/03/13/war-as-the-new-normal

“Russia Wants a Long War.” - Foreign Affairs

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment - 16. March

(ISW)

“The Russian Federal State Security Service (FSB) appears to be trying to penetrate the Russian Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in a way that is reminiscent of the KGB’s involvement with the Soviet military establishment. … Ukrainian experts have found FSB markings on many Russian weapons components that Ukrainian forces have destroyed or captured on the battlefield.”

—

“(This may) mean that the FSB does not trust Russian military leadership and is conducting inspections of Russian equipment accordingly.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-16-2023

“EU figures show intensity of Russia-Ukraine artillery war.” - EU Observer

“Retired maj. gen. thinks Putin made call to down US drone.” - CNN

“Russia Awards Fighter Jet Pilots Involved in U.S. Drone Skirmish.” - The Moscow Times

If Russia Loses Ukraine War, This Is How Putin Will React

(Newsweek)

“Putin can be replaced. He's not a superhero. He doesn't have any superpowers. He's just an ordinary dictator.” - Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who resigned publicly over the invasion of Ukraine last year.”

https://www.newsweek.com/if-russia-loses-ukraine-war-how-putin-will-react-1787410

Russian state considers itself more important than any human being

By Leonid Gozman

(Novaya Gazeta)

“Among all features of fascism, either spelled out or unwritten, one remains the most distinctive for me: for fascists, the state is more important than the human being. Thus, such a state may do anything to its people for the sake of its goals and security. Therefore, an individual has no rights and is not supposed to have any: those exist formally, but only unless the state decides that those are better be forgotten about.”

— 

“In this respect, Russia used to be a fascist country for vast periods of its history. It had one traditional value: absolute rule. This applies to family — meaning there is no need for a law on domestic violence, the man should sort things out on his own. The same happens at work — there is no need for trade unions, it all depends on the enterprise owner or the director he appointed. Abolishing serfdom was not the right thing to do as well: it used to put people together, and landowners would take care of their serfs as a father takes care of his children. Finally, nothing should be restricting the Czar’s power …”

https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/03/14/executing-pows-another-manifestation-of-russias-fascist-nature-en

Russia’s Genocidal State Media

By Julia Davis, CEPA

“From the lowliest pawns on Putin’s chess board to the queens of propaganda like Simonyan and Skabeeva, the state-controlled media has played a central part in prompting, encouraging, rationalizing, and normalizing the Kremlin’s massacre of its next-door neighbors.”

https://cepa.org/article/morality-shouldnt-get-in-the-way-russias-genocidal-state-media/

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