U.S. Army’s swamp tragedy in the Baltics shows America who their friends are
Opinion by Peter Doran
(New York Post)
“Three of our closest friends — Lithuania, Poland and Estonia — jumped into the mud to help us in the grim recovery effort and bring our fallen soldiers home. The lost Americans were driving their M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle through marshy ground near Pabradė, Lithuania. Operating at night, their heavy vehicle sank into a peat bog under more than 10 feet of water and 6 feet of mud.”
—
“The Baltics may be tough, but these hardened American friends hold some of the most important real estate in Europe. When things go wrong there, there’s no margin for delay. That’s why it mattered that our allies responded instantly to a new mission: recovering America’s fallen soldiers. When the Hercules, designed to retrieve damaged vehicles, sank into the muck, America’s effort to bring home its missing soldiers required boots on the ground, a fleet of heavy machinery, and two rescue dogs from Estonia.”
—
“When America’s soldiers went missing, Lithuania, Poland and Estonia answered: Yes. What do you need to bring your soldiers home? We’ve got it. These countries are among America’s most serious and capable allies. … they did not wait for formal diplomatic requests. They leaped into the mud, without question, with us.”
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/opinion/armys-swamp-tragedy-shows-the-us-who-our-friends-are/
“Leedu soost leiti ka neljanda kadunuks jäänud USA sõduri surnukeha.” - Postimees
“Body of 4th missing US soldier in Lithuania located by Estonian search dogs.” - Postimees
“3rd Infantry Division identifies fourth deceased Soldier in Lithuania.” - U.S. Army Europe
“US Army identifies the four soldiers who died in training accident in Lithuania.” - AP
“Vilnius demonstrates remarkable skill and sensitivity in crisis communication.” - Baltic Sentinel
“Lithuanians bid farewell to 4 US soldiers who died during training exercise.” - ABCNews
“Why the U.S. Trains With Allies—Even When It’s Dangerous.” - The Bulwark
Geologist: Estonian swamps may look safe, but they hide dangerous traps
(ERR)
“A drained bog may appear as normal solid ground, even supporting forest growth. In reality, liquid mud may lie beneath it. A walker might not notice the softness of the ground, as the root mat provides support, but a heavy vehicle can fall through.”
—
“In Estonia, there are areas with similar deep peat layers, for example, near Suur Munamägi in south Estonia, where former lake basins between high hills have now become overgrown. ‘There, up to 17 meters of peat-like material has been measured. Similarly, 14–15-meter-deep peat layers are known in the Karula region. The deepest areas are often located between hills. Looking at the videos from the incident in Lithuania, it seems it took place in a narrow valley, which may be very deep but has filled with peat over time,’ said Marko Kohv, an applied geologist at the University of Tartu”
https://news.err.ee/1609651703/geologist-swamps-may-seem-safe-but-they-can-hide-traps
“Kuivendatud soo võib näida kindla pinnana, kuid peita endas lõksu.” - Novaator
U.S. General Praises Estonia
(U.S. Army Europe, Press Releaase)
“I’m really proud again of the partnerships, especially with Estonia, who, last night flew in two specialized working dogs able to search the water,” said Brig. Gen. John Lloyd, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division. “The team and their dog started searching early this morning, and they’re going to bring the team out again later this afternoon to continue searching. Again, we appreciate Estonia and their partnership in this whole effort to bring our Soldier home.”
____________
Cover photo via the U.S. Army:
EstoNews On-Line:
https://estonewsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
EstoNews Dropbox Archive:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1kvd04gtar6ty2b/AADCUK2J_RXcMyIYf_sjnAwoa?dl=0
____________
Experts: Estonian economy will be hit indirectly by U.S. tariffs
By Mari Peegel
(ERR)
"The United States' imposition of a 20-percent tariff on the European Union may not directly affect Estonia significantly, as the U.S. is not a major export partner for the country. However, Estonia sells goods and services to the EU, which in turn exports them to the U.S. — and that has a more substantial negative impact on the Estonian economy, experts said.”
https://news.err.ee/1609652954/experts-estonian-economy-to-be-hit-indirectly-by-us-tariffs
“Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Tariffs benefit no one.” - Välisministeerium
Politics: It is clear who is to blame for the delays in building the eastern border
Opinion by Kadri Kullman
(Postimees)
“Now, more than ten years later, the eastern border still remains partially unfinished. … Every new leader says construction is finally about to begin. Promises were made that it would be finished in time for the republic's 100th anniversary. We were told work needs to start immediately. It was declared a personal priority. Yet today, tenders for the next sections have still not been announced. The first 23.5-kilometer section in Võrumaa was completed in 2022.”
—
“We can see the same sluggish pattern in the Baltic defense line, which, under Estonia's lead, was supposed to establish a series of strongpoints along the border. Cooperation with the other Baltic states is certainly good and crucial. But in reality, Estonia still has not even established the exact locations for the planned posts, no budget has been set, and—typically for Estonia—talks with landowners have not even begun. Against this backdrop, it feels like we took on a new task before finishing the previous one. …”
Keeleteadlane: Eesti keel kuulub viie protsendi enimkõneldud keelte sekka
(Novaator)
“Kuigi eesti keel tundub pigem väike, kuulub see maailma viie protsendi enimkõneldud keelte hulka. Keeleteadlase hinnangul on see eriline, samuti ka asjaolu, et Eestis on võimalik omandada kõrgharidust riigikeeles. Tartu Ülikooli läänemeresoome keelte ja keeletüpoloogia kaasprofessor Miina Norvik rääkis, et eeskätt soome-ugri ja Uurali keelte suguluse tuvastamine sai alguse juba 18. sajandil. Sellest ajast alates on keeleteadlased pidevalt uurinud, kuidas on need keeled omavahel suguluses ning kuidas need aja jooksul hargnesid. …”
Estonia to construct Ukraine’s war-tested bunkers along Russian border
(Euromaidan Press)
“In 2025, Estonia plans to begin constructing fortifications, including bunkers, along its border with Russia … The first stronghold—comprising 14 bunkers—is expected to be completed in the northeast by autumn, with an additional four bunkers built along the southeastern border. In total, the defensive network will include approximately 600 bunkers along Estonia’s eastern border. The exact locations of these strongholds are currently in the final stage of approval by the Estonian Defense Forces.”
Vatican Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with President Alar Karis of Estonia
(Catholic News Agency | Baltic Times)
“… at the Vatican on Thursday morning to discuss local and regional issues including prospects of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. During the April 3 audience, Parolin and Karis expressed appreciation for “good bilateral relations” between their two states as well as the “positive contribution” of local Catholic communities in the northern European nation. Approximately 6,700 Catholics live in Estonia, accounting for 0.5% of the country’s total population.”
—
https://www.baltictimes.com/estonian_president_meets_vatican_s_secretary_of_state/
Täna lõpetab Eesti riik Venemaa mittebiomeetriliste välispasside tunnustamise
(Välisministeerium)
“Eesti ja teiste Euroopa Liidu riikide elamisloa omanikel, kes kasutavad praegu Venemaa mittebiomeetrilist välispassi, on aega 30. septembrini 2025, et taotleda reisidokumendiks biomeetriline pass. Mittebiomeetrilise välispassi mittetunnustamine tähendab, et sellega ei ole alatest tänasest võimalik ületada Eesti maa-, õhu- ega veepiiri ega taotleda viisat Eestisse. Mittetunnustamine kehtib sõltumata vanusest kõigile mittebiomeetrilise välispassi omanikele.”
Estonia stops recognizing non-biometric Russian passports
(ERR | Schengen News)
“… issued by the Russian Federation. It is no longer possible to cross land, air or sea borders or apply for an Estonian visa without a biometric document.”
https://news.err.ee/1609649555/estonia-stops-recognizing-non-biometric-russian-passports
—
https://schengen.news/estonia-no-longer-recognises-russian-non-biometric-foreign-passports/
Moscow to Expand Effort to Defend Rights of Russian Compatriots in Baltics
By Paul Goble
(Window on Eurasia)
“The Russian foreign ministry together with the Moscow Foundation for the Support and Defense of Compatriots Living Abroad has put together plans for improving the defense of citizens of the Russian Federation as well as other ethnic Russians living in the Baltic countries. That was the message delivered by various speakers at a conference in Kaliningrad this week on ‘The Status of Russian Compatriots in the Countries of the Baltic Region’.”
—
“Among the steps participants called for are the preparation of a list of violations of the rights of Russians in the Baltic countries, a more precise definition of compatriot so that people in that category will know what they can expect, and an expanded effort by official agencies and NGOs in Russia to defend compatriots abroad in general and in the Baltic region in particular.”
—
“These moves are clearly in preparation for a larger Kremlin effort against the Baltic countries and thus merit attention even if the steps the Kaliningrad meeting outlined seem anodyne.”
https://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2025/04/moscow-to-expand-effort-to-defend.html
“Status of Russian Compatriots in Baltic Region Countries 2025.” - IMEMO
“Anti-Western Rhetoric Intensifying in Russian Media.” - Jamestown Org.
Russia is attempting to discredit Estonia on the international stage
(Odessa Journal)
“… particularly in the eyes of the United States. This was announced by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna during a press conference on the latest government decisions. According to him, Estonia has confirmed evidence that Russia is exploiting divisive issues, such as electoral rights and the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate, to damage the country’s reputation.”
https://odessa-journal.com/russia-is-trying-to-discredit-estonia-in-the-eyes-of-the-united-states
Noorkotkad tulevad kirikule appi
(Ajaleht Eesti Kirik)
“Viimasel ajal EELK kogudusi puudutanud vandaalitsemised (viimane näide EELK Sangaste Püha Andrease kogudusele kuuluva kiriku muinsusväärtusega vihmaveetorude vargus) on võimestanud kiriku soovi tõhustada ennetustööd kuritegude ennetamisel. Kogudused saavad täita organisatsiooni Noored Kotkad veebilehel avalduse, mille alusel saadetakse kogudusse kohapeale välja kuni 3-liikmelised patrullid 7–18aastastest noorkotkastest, gruppi kuulub alati ka üks teenistuskoer. Kotkad on varustatud raadiosaatjatega, mille vahendusel on nad otsekontaktis politsei ja piirivalvega.”
https://eestikirik.ee/noored-kotkad-tulevad-kirikule-appi
Kaja Kallas: the EU's new chief diplomat shaping the future of European defense
By David Faris
(The Week)
“The former Estonian Prime Minister's status as an uncompromising Russia hawk has gone from liability to strength.”
—
“At a time of rising tension between the EU and the U.S. and a fortifying bloc of authoritarian states led by Russia, Kallas' role has suddenly taken on even greater importance. Her journey from the obscure leader of a small, embattled democracy to a bulwark against Russian expansionism has placed her front and center in what is now perhaps the global community's most important fault line.”
https://theweek.com/politics/kaja-kallas-estonia-russia-ukraine-european-union
Interview: Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(Baltic Sentinel)
“… the Russians are employing an old trick they've used for decades: drawing partners into a negotiating trap, overwhelming them with details, stepping one step forward, half a step sideways, half a step backward, then half a step forward again—creating the illusion of constructive progress without making substantial concessions, all while a major war continues. They trap negotiation partners by keeping alive the hope of a diplomatic breakthrough, making alternative policies—like tightening sanctions—less attractive. We’ve seen this repeatedly, and they're doing it again now.”
__________________
“Kadri Peeters ja Siim Sukles saavad kaitseministeeriumi asekantsleriteks.” - Postimees
“Over 800 Tsarist-era explosives found in Põhja-Tallinn.” - ERR
“Estonia pushes for Mardi, Kadripäev traditions to be included on UNESCO list.” - ERR
“Estonia makes major step forward in Rail Baltica project: route plan approved for Pärnumaa section.” - The Baltic Times
“Estonia plans to abolish visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats.” - ERR
“Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili visted Estonia.” - Civil Georgia
“Planned Estonian anti-ballistic missile defense may cost over €1 billion.” - ERR
“Estonian Defence Forces complete first live-fire training with newly acquired CAESAR howitzers.” - Defence Industry Europe
__________________
NATO Without America
How Europe Can Run an
Alliance Designed for U.S. Control
By Ivo H. Daalder
(Foreign Affairs Magazine)
“During its 76-year history, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has faced its share of crises, but none have been as grave as what it confronts today. Since returning to office, the U.S. President has questioned the two core principles of the alliance’s collective defense commitment: that there is a shared understanding of the threats to NATO members and that security among all those members is indivisible. The United States sided with Russia and against every other NATO member in February when it opposed a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, the president has repeatedly called into question NATO’s collective-defense provision by declaring that the United States will not defend allies who “don’t pay”—despite the fact that nearly all NATO members have dramatically increased their defense spending since 2014.”
—
“Given the president’s low regard for the alliance and its collective defense commitment, it would be no surprise if his administration decided to withdraw from NATO. … Even if he doesn’t withdraw from the alliance, he has already seriously undermined it. …”
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/nato-without-america
“Can Europe confront Russia without US help? Not yet, but it may have to.” - The Christian Science Monitor
“NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte: The U.S. is completely committed to NATO.” - Politico Europe
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterates U.S. commitment to NATO.” - RFERL
Lithuania: Pilots reported 300 GPS interference incidents in March alone
(BNN)
“On Saturday evening a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Vilnius Airport was forced to abort its landing due to GPS interference, according to the pilots.The plane landed safely on the second attempt.”
https://bnn-news.com/lithuania-records-300-gps-interference-incidents-in-one-month-266499
The Baltic Sea's eastern coast may face more frequent flooding in future
(ERR)
“Researchers say one of the most at-risk areas is the Pärnu region, where a combination of strong winds and high water levels could lead to widespread flooding. … From time to time, enough water flows through the Danish straits into the Baltic Sea to raise the water level across the entire region by up to 80 centimeters. "This elevated water level can last for a couple of weeks, or in some cases even months. Occasionally, a storm will form against the backdrop of a high water level.”
https://news.err.ee/1609649489/baltic-sea-s-eastern-coast-may-face-more-frequent-flooding-in-future
Baltic states fear Ukraine ceasefire would increase Russian threat to the region
(Meduza | LRT | NY Post)
“Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, said Russia would redistribute its forces very quickly, which ‘also means that the threat level will increase significantly very quickly’. His Lithuanian counterpart, Dovilė Šakalienė, made similar remarks last week - ‘Let’s not have any illusions. Let’s not lie to ourselves that Russia is going to be done after Ukraine.”
—
“Pevkur said around half of Russia’s 600,000 troops believed to be in Ukraine would be redeployed following any ceasefire deal. “These men will not go back to different parts of Russia to harvest the corn or do something else,” he said.”
—
—
__________
“The Finnish defence firms are on steroids.” - BBC
“Norway criticizes Finland’s move to quit land mine treaty.” - Politico Europe
“260k non-citizens eligible to vote in Finland's upcoming elections.” - Yle
“Violent far-right groups in Sweden recruit boys as young as 10.” - The Guardian
“Finland plans to exit landmine ban and raise defence budget by €3 billion.” - Helsinki Times
“Germany launches first permanent foreign deployment since WWII into Lithuania.” - Mirror
__________
Putin’s Forever War
War is Putin’s natural state
By Dominic Lawson
(The Times - Uk)
“Russia has been militarising for 25 years, yet we are cutting frontline troops.”
—
“Ten days ago the Prince of Wales visited British troops from the Mercian Regiment, of which he is the colonel-in-chief, who have just started their six-month deployment in Estonia as ‘the lead battlegroup working alongside Nato partners’.”
—
“Yet, as The Times revealed only days later, “Britain has reduced its military force in Estonia by hundreds of troops and to fewer than ten tanks despite pledging to increase them to tackle the rising threat from Russia”. The former commander of the Estonian armed forces told the paper: ‘The UK has difficulties putting together one brigade to participate in operations. I see it in Estonia every day.” This appeared in the same edition of The Times as an article in the name of the chancellor of the exchequer declaring that she was ‘making our country a defence industrial superpower.”
—
“The gap between rhetoric and reality is an excruciating embarrassment. But it’s worse than that. The British government actually opposes actions by the Baltic states that would help protect their people in the event of any Russian incursion. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have all signalled their intent to withdraw from the Ottawa treaty, which banned anti-personnel landmines. Poland has followed suit. Finland is considering doing so. And it’s obvious why: these weapons have been vital in Ukraine’s defence.”
“Putin begins biggest Russian military call-up in years.” - BBC
“There is overwhelming evidence of war crimes in Ukraine's Bucha, says EU's Kaja Kallas.” - Baltic Times
“Putin is not willing to have peace says Estonian FM Margus Tsahkna.” - Deutsche Welle
“After Losing Limbs to War, Russian Amputee Veterans Grapple With Officials’ Empty Promises.” - The Moscow Times
“Russia says it cannot accept US peace plan for Ukraine ‘in its current form’.” - The Guardian
“The man behind the burning Kremlin.” - Meduza
Ukrainian scouting sees record enrollment during wartime
(The World)
“Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of their country, parents in Ukraine are increasingly signing their children up for the patriotic education, outdoor activities and summer camps offered by the 112-year-old scouting organization Plast — similar to the Boy Scouts, but with a mission to preserve Ukrainian identity and language.”
https://theworld.org/stories/2025/03/28/ukrainian-scouting-sees-record-enrollment-during-wartime
The U.S. President could strip legal status from hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.
(Meduza)
“In early March, Reuters reported that the U.S. President is planning to rescind protections granted to migrants who entered the U.S. under Biden-era humanitarian parole programs — including Ukrainian refugees. Now, roughly 240,000 Ukrainians who came to the United States after Russia’s 2022 invasion risk losing their legal status and face possible deportation. Pressed on the fate of Ukrainian refugees, Trump said he wasn’t “looking to hurt anybody” and promised to issue a decision “pretty soon.”
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/03/31/we-have-nothing-to-return-to
___________
_______
__
