Tallinn has adopted a posture of bold deterrence vowing preemptive strikes
By Stefan Hedlund
(Geopolitical Intelligence Services AG)
“… against Russia to protect sovereignty and NATO credibility.”
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“Tiny Estonia has assumed the role of David standing up to Goliath. In recent months, Tallinn has intensified its signaling that in the case of an imminent Russian invasion, it would not hesitate to strike first. The world is now seeing the country’s logic.”
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“In a September 2024 interview with the Estonian public broadcaster ERR, Estonian General Vahur Karus stated that if Moscow showed signs of preparing for an attack, Estonia would strike the Russians first: “Our capability to neutralize the enemy on its own territory is crucial.” In the subsequent months, Estonia has continued on this path. In late July the country’s defense ministry issued its defense strategy, which aims to “counter threats before they reach Estonian territory.”
https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/estonia-preemptive-strikes-russia/
Estonia could carry up to €3.6 billion in defense loans
(ERR)
“The Ministry of Defense has drawn up an initial loan interest request and submitted it to the European Commission, but the entire process is still in its relatively early stages.”
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“The exact amount Estonia is interested in borrowing is still undecided, as is the possible length of the loan term — which may be up to 45 years. By borrowing with the Commission's support, Estonia also hopes to secure a lower interest rate. For every €1 billion borrowed, Estonia would save about €4 million a year.”
https://news.err.ee/1609766778/estonia-to-take-out-up-to-3-6-billion-in-defense-loans
“Estonia Targets €3.6 Defense Loan Under EU Joint Rearmament Plan.” - The Defence Post
Estonia expelling first secretary of Russian embassy
(Postimees | Reuters | Välisministeerium)
“Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the expulsion of the staff member of the Russian embassy: "The diplomat in question has been directly and actively involved in undermining the constitutional order and legal system of Estonia, as well as in dividing Estonian society, contributing to the crimes against the state, including several offenses related to sanctions violations. At present, one citizen of the Republic of Estonia has been convicted for carrying out these crimes. The Russian embassy's ongoing interference in the affairs of the Republic of Estonia must end and by expelling the diplomat, we are demonstrating that Estonia will not allow any actions orchestrated and organized by a foreign state on its territory."
https://news.postimees.ee/8304672/estonia-expelling-first-secretary-of-russian-embassy
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https://vm.ee/uudised/eesti-saadab-riigist-valja-vene-saatkonna-tootaja-1
Eesti saadab Vene diplomaadi õõnestustegevuse pärast välja
(ERR)
“Välisministeerium kutsus kolmapäeval välja Venemaa suursaatkonna ajutise asjuri Lenar Salimullini ja andis üle diplomaatilise noodi selle kohta, et Venemaa suursaatkonna esimene sekretär on kuulutatud persona non grata'ks ning diplomaat peab Eestist lahkuma, teatas ministeeriumi pressiteenistus.”
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“Välisministeerium informeeris teadet üle andes Venemaa saatkonna esindajat, et Eesti ei kavatse sallida Venemaa tegevust meie põhiseadusliku korra ja siseriikliku stabiilsuse vastu ning peab vajalikuks seda väga selgelt väljendada. Eesti teavitab juhtumist ka partnereid ja liitlasi, edastas välisministeerium.”
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"Kõnealune diplomaat on tegelenud otseselt ja aktiivselt Eesti põhiseadusliku korra ja õigussüsteemi õõnestamisega ning Eesti ühiskonna lõhestamisega, aidates kaasa riigi vastu suunatud kuritegude, sealhulgas ka mitme sanktsioonirikkumise kuriteo toimepanemisele," kommenteeris välisminister Margus Tsahkna pressiteate vahendusel.”
https://www.err.ee/1609769403/eesti-saadab-vene-diplomaadi-oonestustegevuse-parast-valja
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Estonia declares weather-related emergency for agriculture
(ERR)
“The government is set to confirm by decree that from April to July of this year, Estonia experienced significantly worse-than-usual weather conditions that have affected agriculture. Based on this, the government plans to apply to the European Commission for emergency aid for Estonian farmers. Examples of conditions that led to the decision include lower temperatures during the growing season combined with night frosts, as well as excessive moisture and hailstorms. These have caused a significant drop in crop yields and quality, leading to substantial economic losses for agricultural producers.”
“Valitsus kuulutas ilma tõttu põllumajanduses välja sisuliselt eriolukorra.” - ERR
“Finland's apple harvest looking weak this year due to sudden shifts in temperatures.” - Yle
“Lithuania declares nationwide emergency over summer rainfall damage.” - LRT
“Deadly Nordic heatwave supercharged by climate crisis, scientists say.” - The Guardian
Estonia locks down Russian border with fast-closing gates and roadblocks
(Travel Mole)
"Estonia has added retractable gates and roadblocks at three key border crossings with Russia, allowing authorities to halt traffic and pedestrians within seconds if needed. The new barriers are located at Narva in the north and Koidula and Luhamaa in the south. Estonia Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) drove the project representing a total cost of €3.1 million. Construction began in early July.”
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“We can never completely rule out a migration-front situation at our borders,” said Peter Maran, head of the PPA’s Southeast border checkpoint. “Physical infrastructure helps us respond quickly and prevent illegal crossings”. … the barriers can fully close in about three seconds, provided officers act promptly.”
https://www.travelmole.com/news/estonia-russia-borders/
Eesti droonitööstuses tehakse huvitavaid asju aga mastaabihüpet veel ei ole
(Postimees)
“Euroopa ja Eesti droonitööstus on endiselt lapsekingades. 2022. aastal, kui Venemaa alustas täiemahulist sõda Ukrainas, oli meil kaks droonifirmat: Threod Systems ja Krattworks. Praegu on endiselt kaks droonifirmat: Threod Systems ja Krattworks.”
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“Siinkohal võib muidugi natuke vaielda. Saab ju lisada ka Lendurai või Quadix UASi või Front42 (need on aga veel algusjärgus) või mainida ka Meridein Gruppi (kelle ärinäitajad on jumekad, aga kes on sisult vahendaja), aga kui rääkida päriselt droonide tootmisest ja arendamisest Eestis, siis peale paari nimetatu keegi väga sõelale ei jää. Mastaapset tootmist kui sellist pole kellelgi.”
Vene-Valgevene ühisõppus Zapad algab kuu aja pärast
(ERR)
“Ühised strateegilised õppused Venemaaga peetakse 12.–16. septembrini, teatas Valgevene kaitseministeerium teisipäeval. Õppuste eesmärk on testida Venemaa ja Valgevene sõjalist võimekust ning tagada liitriigi sõjaline julgeolek ja valmisolek võimaliku agressiooni tõrjumiseks, tsiteeris ministeerium selle rahvusvahelise koostöö osakonna ülemat, kindralmajor Valeri Revenkot.”
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“Ukraina president Volodõmõr Zelenski hoiatas selle aasta alguses üksikasju ja tõendeid esitamata, et Venemaa võib sel suvel Valgevenes toimuvate rutiinsete sõjaliste õppuste varjus midagi korraldada.”
https://www.err.ee/1609768620/vene-valgevene-uhisoppus-zapad-algab-kuu-aja-parast
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“Prime minister visits US troops stationed in south Estonia.” - ERR
“Estonia invokes “Munich 1938“ as Trump prepares Putin talks.” - Euromaidan Press
“Tänavune õunasaak tuleb piirkonniti erinev ja pigem kehv.” - ERR
“Estonia's economy and labor market is slowly improving.” - Baltic Times
“Sõnades kokkuhoiukurssi hoidev riik kulutab suhtekorraldusele miljoneid.” - ERR
“Estonians' donations to Ukraine have dried up in recent years.” - ERR
“Estonia has been named the cleanest country in the world.” - Mirror
“Endised peaministrid kohtusid Rüütelkonna hoones.” - ERR
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Around the Baltic Sea
Russia GPS jamming from secret base near Poland, as per Estonian media
(Radio Poland | TVP)
“Ongoing GPS disruptions across the Baltic region and the Gulf of Finland have been traced to a Russian military facility in the Kaliningrad Oblast exclave. The facility, located in the town of Pionersk, is part of Russia’s Tobol electronic warfare network. ”
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“In July, Estonian authorities detected new jamming equipment near the country’s eastern border by Narva … Experts suggest these measures aim to protect Russian sites from Ukrainian drone attacks.”
—
https://tvpworld.com/88279898/secret-russian-base-behind-gps-jamming-in-the-baltics
Russia’s GPS Warfare from Kaliningrad Disrupting Poland’s Offshore Wind Construction
(The Baltic Sentinel)
“Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has revealed a new harmful effect of Russia’s GPS jamming in the region. While Russia’s GPS disruptions had already been raised by defense and aviation officials, Tusk is the first to formally highlight their ramifications for offshore wind energy projects. … Tusk warned that such disruptions, which he said are believed to be caused by Russia, could have serious consequences for critical infrastructure projects.”
“GPS jamming map.” - FlightRadar24
“GPS jamming map.” - GPS-JAM
French Commander: Baltic Forests Offer Little Protection Against Modern Drone Warfare
(Baltic Sentinel)
“When it comes to Estonia’s forests, Captain Louis offers no illusions. The tree cover here, he argues, offers no more reliable concealment from Russian attack drones than the foliage of Ukraine. Thermal cameras can still detect troops, and skilled FPV drone operators can maneuver even in confined spaces.”
Russian data centre in Helsinki triggers legal and security concerns
(Helsinki Times)
“A Russian-owned data centre is operating in Helsinki without prior notification to Finnish authorities. The facility, run by telecom operator Beeline, has prompted calls for urgent legislative review due to national security concerns.”
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“Latvia plans to ban tours to Russia and Belarus.” - LSM
“Leedu plaanib rajada piirile kolmekihilise kaitseliini.” - ERR
“Tallinn-Helsinki ferry evacuates 300 passengers after bus catches fire in car deck.” - Yle
“Shortage of water in Stockholm — residents urged to cut consumption.” - Radio Sweden
“Lithuania to give children drone training to counter Russia threat.” - The Guardian
“Põhjamaid kurnanud kuumalaine näitab kliimakriisi ulatumist ka sinna.” - ERR
“Lithuania allocates €461m for advance payment on German tanks.” - LRT
“Finland charges tanker crew members with sabotage of undersea cables.” - The Guardian
“Latvia's population down 26,000 in first half of 2025.” - LSM
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Putin’s Forever War
Zelensky Says U.S. Summit in Alaska is a 'Personal Victory' for Putin
(The Moscow Times - 12. August)
“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had scored a "personal victory" by getting invited to talks with Donald Trump on U.S. soil, and that the meeting further delayed sanctions on Moscow.”
—
“Zelensky also ruled out withdrawing troops from Ukraine's eastern Donbas region as part of a peace deal, after Trump suggested he and Putin might negotiate a land swap to end the war.”
“Top Kremlin Aides and Ministers Joined Putin in Alaska.” - Moscow Times
“Europe lurches between hope and fear as Trump meets Putin.” - Politico
“Polls Show Ukrainians Increasingly Want End to War, But Not Under Russia’s Terms.” - Russia Matters
Moscow propaganda claimed Russia had already won ahead of Alaska Summit
By Paul Goble
(Jamestown Org. - 14. August)
“Moscow believes the upcoming Alaska summit will end Russian President Vladimir Putin’s international isolation, taking note of its location in Alaska, which Russia once owned. Russian commentators are interpreting the summit as U.S. acceptance of Moscow’s view that decisions can be made about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Satellite images show 12 air defence systems around Putin’s Valdai residence
(Novaya Gazeta)
“Satellite images of the area around Vladimir Putin’s Valdai residence in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia have shown at least 12 air defence systems — mainly Pantsir-S1 complexes — deployed on the site … A year ago, there were only two on the same site.”
“Introduction to Russia’s Pantsir S1 air defense system.” - Missile Threat
“Child labor used to build Russian drones.” - Deutsche Welle
Kyiv’s Kursk miscalculation
(Meduza)
“ A daring but failed incursion into Russia and what it cost Ukraine.”
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/08/08/kyiv-s-kursk-miscalculation
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