Jaanipäev 2025: The Top 10 Midsummer Celebrations Across Estonia
By Giulia Galbiati
(Estonian World)
“Steeped in the lore of pre-Christian solstice rituals and layered with later Christian customs, the celebration is a joyful homage to light, nature and togetherness. Across the country, communities gather by bonfires, sing ancient songs and take part in rituals that have withstood the test of centuries …”
https://estonianworld.com/culture/jaanipaev-2025-top-10-midsummer-celebrations-across-estonia/
“Jaanipäev 2025.” - Riigoipühad EU
“Jaanideks saartele pääsemine tõotab taas ummikusse joosta.” - Postimees
“Historian: Bad luck befalls those who don't visit a midsummer bonfire.” - ERR, 2024
“Ilmatargad ütlevad kui ühest suust: Jaaniilm ei tõota head.” - Postimees
“All the Winners in The Michelin Guide Estonia 2025.” - Michelin Guide
Laulupeo tuli tuleb mööda Eestit
(Postimees)
“Laulu-ja tantsupeo ‘Iseoma’ tuli alustas üleeile 18 päeva kestvat rändu mööda Eestimaad, et jõuda maakondi läbides 2. juuliks Tallinna. Tule teekond ühendab Eestimaad ja viib peotunde igasse paika.”
—
“Tuletulemine on laulu- ja tantsupeo sümboolne algus, mis seob ja ühendab tervet Eestimaad. Tuli oma legendaarses tõrvikus toob peotunde igaühele hästi lähedale. Niimoodi sai alguse tule 18 päeva kestev teekond läbi Eesti maakondade. Linnulennul 2500 kilomeetrit, tehes Eestile niimoodi natuke vähem kui kaks täistiiru peale.”
https://laulupidu.postimees.ee/8270154/interaktiivne-kaart-laulupeo-tuli-tuleb-mooda-eestit
EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas warns that Russia has a plan for long-term aggression against Europe
(AP)
“Russia is already a direct threat to the European Union,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. She listed a series of Russian airspace violations, provocative military exercises, and attacks on energy grids, pipelines and undersea cables.”
—
“Kallas noted that Russia is already spending more on defense than the EU’s 27 nations combined, and this year will invest more “on defense than its own health care, education and social policy combined. This is a long-term plan for a long-term aggression. You don’t spend that much on (the) military, if you do not plan to use it,” Kallas told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France.”
Piibe maanteele maandusid kaks liitlaste transpordilennukit
(Eesti Kaitsevägi)
“Kolmapäeval, 18. juunil toimus Tallinna lähistel, Piibe maanteel, rahvusvaheline maandumisharjutus, mille raames maandati kaks liitlaste lennukit avalikule maanteele. Maandusid meie heade sõprade ja liitlaste lennuvahendid Casa ja C-130. Säärane harjutus tõestas, et koostöö Eesti kaitseväe ja erinevate ametkondade vahel on väga hea. … C-130J on laialdaselt kasutusel olev taktikaline transpordilennuk. Lennuk on nelja turbopropellermootoriga ja suudab vedada kuni 20 tonni lasti ning maanduda ebastandardsetel radadel.”
https://mil.ee/uudised/piibe-maanteele-maandusid-kaks-liitlaste-transpordilennukit/
______________
EstoNews Runs on Coffee
and Vana Tallinn
(EstoNews)
If you find the geopolitical news from Estonia and the Baltic Sea region helpful and informative, consider buying me a cup of coffee or a shot of Vana Tallinn every once in a while to keep me going - visit the PayPal link below. Tänan!
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/EstoNews100
EstoNews On-Line:
https://estonewsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
______________
Estonia Begins Construction of Anti-Tank Ditches on the Southeastern Border
(Baltic Sentinel | Baltic Times | Estonian World)
“These ditches are part of the Baltic Defence Line initiative, designed to halt a potential enemy military attack right from the first meters of the national border.
The anti-tank ditches will be built in Setomaa Parish, in close proximity to the Estonian-Russian border. In the future, the ditches will be integrated into a broader defensive zone — a strategically positioned network of defensive support points that will include accommodation facilities, barrier elements, storage areas, and other infrastructure.”
—
—
https://estonianworld.com/security/estonia-is-building-anti-tank-ditches-on-the-southeastern-border/
“The construction of fortifications began in the east of Latvia.” - Militarnyi
“Baltic countries are building a line of defence against the Russians.” - ABN
Kaitsevägi alustas Balti kaitsevööndi rajamisega
(ERR)
“Kaitsevägi alustas koostöös riigi kaitseinvesteeringute keskusega kagupiirile Balti kaitsevööndi rajamist, praegu kaevatakse tõkestuskraave. Veel selle aasta lõpuks loodetakse paika saada kuni 28 punkrit ja kümme ladustamisala. Vinski külas kaevab kopp umbes kolme meetri sügavust tõkestuskraavi, mis on osa Balti kaitsevööndi esimesest katselõigust, mida riik on rajamas. Maastikul jääb see kraav täpselt viivitusaia ja piiripostide vahelisele alale.”
https://www.err.ee/1609726044/kaitsevagi-alustas-balti-kaitsevoondi-rajamisega
—
https://www.err.ee/1609726851/analuus-balti-kaitsevoondi-avalik-rajamine-voib-olla-taotluslik
Tallinna vanalinna arengukava proovib linnaosasse tuua rohkem püsielanikke
(ERR)
“Mitmetes Euroopa linnades, näiteks Barcelonas ja Amsterdamis, tehakse juba pikemat aega pingutusi selle nimel, et vähendada lühiajaliste üürikorterite arvu ning tuua kohalikud tagasi liiga kalliks muutunud kesklinna. Äsja Tallinna linnavalitsuses vastu võetud vanalinna arengukava proovib lahendada sama probleemi. "Vanalinn on praegu oluline turismisihtkoht ja meie soov on, et see selliselt säiliks. Samal ajal on oluline ka kohaliku elanikkonna hoidmine ja selle atraktiivsena hoidmine ka siseturisti jaoks," sõnas abilinnapea Madle Lippus.”
Eesti teadlaste abiga saab nüüd Läänemere seisundist täpsema ülevaate
(Novaator)
“Läänemere üks peamisi keskkonnaprobleeme on inimtekkeline eutrofeerumine. See tähendab, et merevesi on liigselt toitainetega rikastunud. Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli meresüsteemide instituudi nooremteadur Oliver Samlase sõnul on Läänemere halvas seisundis süüdi eelkõige inimtegevus põllumajanduses ja veepuhastuses: väetised, reoveepuhastusjaamad ning atmosfääri paisatud ja tuultega levivad lämmastikuühendid.”
False narratives: How Narva was rebuilt from the ruins of World War II
By Alise Maripuu
(ERR)
“Narva's Old Town was built in the 17th Century when Estonia was under Swedish rule and was once considered a "Baroque Pearl," according to the Narva Museum. But the Red Army deployed devastating airstrikes on Narva during World War II as the Soviets fought to retake the country from the Nazis. Bombing campaigns by the USSR from March to July in 1944 destroyed 90 % of the city.”
—
“A recently opened museum exhibition aims to fight back against false narratives told about the city's reconstruction. "Narva 54" explores the myths and narratives that were forged alongside the rebuilding of the city, some of which are still believed today. Having destroyed Narva and unwilling to restore it to its former glory, the Soviets crafted a propaganda narrative to paint themselves in a blameless light as the rebuilding of the city began in 1954.”
—
“Everyone knows that it was destroyed, and everyone knows that Soviet power built a new city," said Zurab Jänes, head of collections at Narva Museum Foundation, in an interview. "But if we go inside and talk about who destroyed it and how it was destroyed, then the conflict of different narratives begins. …”
https://news.err.ee/1609724061/false-narratives-how-narva-was-rebuilt-from-the-ruins-of-war
Estonia’s New Multi-Billion-Euro Defense Build-Up
(The Baltic Sentinel)
“Estonia has committed to raising defense spending to 5.4% of GDP starting in 2026, adding €2.8 billion over four years to an already robust baseline of 3.3%. Additional funding covers deep strike, drones, air defense, ammunition, new naval vessels, AI and a new military base next to border with Russia. It’s the country’s most serious military overhaul since regaining independence.”
—
“Looking further ahead — beyond 2030 — Estonia has earmarked approximately €1 billion for potential ballistic missile defense, likely referring to a system comparable in scale to Israel’s David’s Sling, which is soon set to be delivered to Finland. As part of its broader defense modernization push, unmanned aerial systems will be integrated into existing units to boost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across all levels, from small squads to high-level command.”
Ukrainian drone operators train Estonia's Defense League in cutting-edge tactics
(ERR)
“… in a course now in its third week. Drone trainees were split up into teams hunting each other's drones at a zone near Tapa base in Lääne-Virumaa.”
—
“A new dedicated drone warfare unit was announced for the Defense League last month. Dubbed "Kullisilm," (literally "Hawk's eye"), the new unit follows Estonia's acquisition two years ago of over a hundred multirotor drones for training purposes, followed by subsequent procurements.”
—
“Little is known about local drone manufacturers. "Perhaps the best known from these in Estonia is Krattworks, which develops various attack drone platforms. As of today, several private companies have launched initiatives to stockpile drone spare parts and components.”
—
https://news.err.ee/1609686071/estonia-s-volunteer-defense-league-setting-up-dedicated-drone-unit
Estonia begins laying the keystone for a great Baltic Drone Wall by 2027
(NextGov | Defense Scoop | Trade with Estonia)
“The ultimate goal is to fully cover hundreds of miles of the border with Russia so that no drone can pass over the wall without being detected and possibly destroyed. … So far, over $12 million has been devoted to the project, which aims to provide autonomous surveillance systems powered by artificial intelligence and backed by drone countermeasure systems and other defenses designed to disable or destroy hostile drones. The ultimate goal is to fully cover hundreds of miles of the border with Russia.”
—
“Such a multilayered drone defence system, called Erishield, has been developed by the company DefSecintel Solutions.”
—
https://defensescoop.com/2025/06/18/estonia-drone-wall-border-russia-2027/
—
“Tartusse kerkib droonide harjutusväljak.” - Postimees
‘If Russia is coming, then we will bring the war to Russia’ - Margus Tsahkna
(Defense One)
“At the NATO summit later this month, members will discuss not only increased defense budgets, but also new operational concepts to respond immediately to a Russian attack, including counterstrikes inside Russia, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told Defense One at the GLOBSEC security conference.
“The new concept is that if Russia is coming, then we will bring the war to Russia. That's what we are talking about,” Tsahkna said. “We have no time then to discuss whether we can use one of the other weapons or whatever. We have no time. We need to act within the first minutes and hours.”
—
“That new doctrine builds on the regional defense plans NATO adopted at its 2023 summit, which centralized more authority under U.S. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, to respond rapidly— in coordination with Eastern European members—in the event of a Russian assault. However, this year’s summit will go further. It is expected to outline the specific capabilities Europe must field to be ready for conflict with Russia the day of an attack. “Now we have [capability targets] for this concept,” Tsahkna said.”
____________
“Estonian minister attacks WHO Europe chief for Russian visit.” - Politico
“What is making Estonian residents feel insecure.” - ERR
“Prices of apartments rose 2.7 % and houses by 8.9 %.” - ERR
“Viljandis avati 104 miljonit maksma läinud maakonnahaigla.” - ERR
“Poola seimi esimees: Putin ründab Eestit ja Poolat seestpoolt.” - Postimees
"Largest Wind Farm in the Baltics Opens in Pärnu County.” - Baltic Review
“Estonia quietly quitting 100 % renewable energy target.” - ERR
“The ÖÖD Mirror Cabin in the Forested Village of Lohusalu.” - CN Traveller
“Estonia buys €2M SUVs for border patrol.” - Global Espreso
“Longer truck trains will begin appearing on Estonia's roads in 2026.” - ERR
“Estonia: Traffic at Luhamaa crossing dropped by more than 90% since the start of the war in Ukraine.” - Agenzia Nova
____________
Around the Baltic Sea
Baltics, Nordics, Poland call for Russian soldier Schengen Zone visa ban
(ERR)
"There are hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens who have fought against an independent European country, and we should take a very clear stance that these people cannot travel freely in Schengen - we will not grant them residence permits, we will not grant them visas, because this whole group, which has killed and destroyed there, poses a very serious security threat to all of us.”
Europe's frontier countries ready their hospitals for war
(Politico Europe)
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that modern conflicts no longer spare health services — or the civilians they serve. Eastern European countries are taking note. Located just 50 kilometers from the EU’s external border with Belarus, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics is developing underground infrastructure, shelters, helicopter landing sites and autonomous systems that would allow it to function even if electricity or water supplies were cut off."
—
“In Estonia, in addition to body armor for ambulance crews, satellite phones would be distributed to maintain communications if traditional networks fail. Plans are even in place to generate an independent internet network if necessary. Electrical generators are being installed across the health-care system, following Ukraine’s experience with Russian strikes that routinely cut off civilian power.”
—
“We know for certain that Russia targets the civilian infrastructure and energy structures, and that means that you cannot have these kinds of situations where the hospital doesn’t work because there are some power plant problems,” said Ragnar Vaiknemets, deputy director general of the Estonian Health Board.”
Russian GPS Jamming Near Kaliningrad Disrupts Lithuanian Coast
(Baltic Sentinel)
“… causing drones to crash or fly out of control, with interference now seven times higher than during the same period last year, according to Lithuania’s Armed Forces. While Russia has ramped up electronic warfare since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanian defense officials report a notable increase in recent weeks.”
Estonia, Finland warn vessels of 'significantly increased' navigation system interference
(ERR)
“… on the Gulf of Finland, Estonia's Transport Administration said on Tuesday.”
—
“The disruptions have been traced back to Russia and Belarus, as they try and protect their critical and military infrastructure from drone attacks. Last week, Estonia was one of 13 EU member states to demand more action from the European Commission over the issue. … Due to the increased frequency of disruptions, Finland and Estonia have now issued a navigation warning for the Gulf of Finland, covering the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of both countries.”
Baltic states to develop joint mass evacuation plans
(LRT | Politico | TVP)
“Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have pledged to cooperate in the event that a large-scale evacuation is required across the region. This includes sharing data on evacuation capacities, potential evacuation corridors, and border crossing points, Lithuania's Interior Ministry said Friday.”
—
—
https://tvpworld.com/87266026/baltic-states-sign-pact-for-joint-evacuation-strategy
Finnish Defence Minister: "Nothing surprising" in Russian base buildup
(Yle)
“Satellite images obtained by Yle revealed that Russia began extensive construction work last winter in a closed military town, near the border with Finnish Lapland.”
—
______________
“Finnish Parliament votes to withdraw from Ottawa Convention.” - BNN
“Danish military using robotic sailboats for surveillance in Baltic Sea.” - AP
“Leedu konkurentsiedu võti: ära käitu nagu Eesti.” - Postimees
“New Swedish rail link to Finland ready for passengers.” - Yle
“What Lithuania can learn from Estonia legalising civil unions.” - LRT
“Finland hosts NATO-aligned air exercise for first time.” - Helsinki Times
”Poland adds minefields to 'East Shield' protective barrier with Russia and Belarus.”- Euronews
“Sweden’s hospital bed capacity is shrinking.” - Radio Sweden
“We must listen to the Baltic States. The Russian hybrid threat is growing.” - The Telegraph (email login required)
“Claim: The NATO alliance remains unstable.” - The Washington Examiner
______________
Estonian intelligence predicts drop in Russian drone attacks on Ukraine
(Ukrainska Pravda)
“Usually Russia uses an average of 150 attack drones per day, but the attacks are carried out in series: within four to five days, 60 to 70 drones are launched, after which the accumulated forces are used for a large-scale strike – the simultaneous launch of 350 to 450 drones.” - Colonel Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Intelligence Centre of the Estonian Defence Forces
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/06/20/7517989/
“Venemaa korvab vähest edu rindel õhurünnakutega elamutele.” - ERR
“28 killed and over 140 injured in massive Russian strike on Kyiv.” - Meduza
“Ukrainian women search for loved ones missing in action.” - Deutsche Welle
Russia’s Forever War
Putin on ‘uue maailma’ arhitekt
Teet Korsten
(Postimees)
“Vene opositsiooniline ajaloolane ja kirjanik Sergei Medvedev leiab, et elame uues ajastus ja Venemaalt lähtuv agressioon ei lõpe isegi Putini kadudes. Medvedev ütleb, et tuleb valmistuda kaitseks, aidata Ukrainat, seirata hübriidsõja vorme – näiteks uurida, mis võib siin toimuda kohalike venekeelsetega manipuleerides, kes on altid Vene mõjule.”
—
[Russian opposition historian and writer Sergei Medvedev believes that we are living in a new era and that aggression from Russia will not stop even when Putin disappears. Medvedev says that we must prepare for defense, help Ukraine, and monitor forms of hybrid warfare - for example, investigate what can happen here by manipulating local Russian speakers who are susceptible to Russian influence.]
https://maailm.postimees.ee/8272465/ak-sergei-medvedev-putin-on-uue-maailma-arhitekt
“Vene väejooksik: Putin tuleks kohtu alla anda, aga enne lastakse ta maha.” - Postimees
Russia’s economy minister says the country is on ‘the brink of recession’
(AP | The Guardian)
“Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov delivered the warning at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the annual event in Russia’s second largest city designed to highlight the country’s economic prowess and court foreign investors. Russian business news outlet RBC quoted the official as saying “the numbers indicate cooling, but all our numbers are (like) a rearview mirror. Judging by the way businesses currently feel and the indicators, we are already, it seems to me, on the brink of going into a recession.”
—
How Dmitry Medvedev used the war against Ukraine to rebuild his influence and his fortune
(Meduza)
“At the start of 2022, Dmitry Medvedev was effectively in political retirement. Though he held titles like deputy chairman of the Security Council and chairman of United Russia, he wielded little real influence in either role. But Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine gave Medvedev an opportunity: a way to shed his increasingly unpopular — and even dangerous — reputation as a liberal and claw his way back to power. Nineteen days into the full-scale war, he launched a Telegram channel where he began threatening Ukraine and Western countries, hurling insults at their leaders and citizens alike.”
—
“Medvedev’s transformation from liberal to anti-Western firebrand has also paid off financially. Since the war began, charitable foundations linked to him have seen a dramatic influx of cash. Between 2015 and 2023, these organizations received between 2 billion and 9 billion rubles ($25.5 million and $114.5 million, at today’s exchange rate) a year in donations and contributions. In 2023 and 2024, that figure soared to 52 billion and 79 billion rubles ($661.6 million and $1 billion), respectively. At the end of last year, 15 foundations that the investigative project Sistema connected to Medvedev — including some previously identified in the Anti-Corruption Foundation investigation — held a combined 86.4 billion rubles ($1.1 billion) in their accounts.”
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/06/11/welcome-to-dima-s-villa-era
___________
_______
__
