By Kristi Raik
Institute of Art and Ideas, UK
“Small states cannot take their existence for granted and are often willing to take risks in order to make any attempt to subjugate them prohibitively costly for larger powers.”
https://iai.tv/articles/small-states-have-more-power-than-trump-and-putin-think-auid-3521
Targeting Russian Rear Zones in a Hypothetical Baltic War
By Lukas Milevski
Foreign Policy Research Institute
“If Russia were ever to bring war to the Baltics, certainly the Baltic States themselves would not permit war to remain confined to their lands alone.”
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“Starting in the north, the first potential axis of Russian attack is along the E20 highway from St Petersburg to Tallinn, crossing the Narva River. The only bridge across the Narva itself is at Narva, but in the Russian rear there are multiple road and rail bridges across Luga River - at Ust-Luga (one road); at or around Kingisepp (two road and one rail); and at Porech’e (one road). Another bridge along the Luga falls outside the self-imposed 50km limit at Bol’shoi Sabsk. A handful of other bridges across other rivers in the region would be nice targets of opportunity as well. The destruction of these bridges would delay and complicate any Russian effort on the Narva River.”
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“The next potential axis of Russian attack is from Pskov into southern Estonia, from where it may turn north toward Tartu and Tallinn or continue west-southwest toward Riga. Pskov itself would be a major logistical hub for any Russian invasion, with three road bridges and one rail bridge across the Velikaya River. The destruction of these bridges would for a time seriously compromise Russia’s ability to sustain operations out of or through Pskov. A handful of small rivers crisscross the terrain between Pskov and the Estonian and Latvian borders, with at least a dozen small road and rail bridges offering further targets of opportunity to complicate Russian operations …”
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"Europe, I'm sorry to say, has been like an
old, fat, lazy cat … they really believed the
end of history times were there.”
Margus Tsahkna
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The Coffee Club
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/EstoNews100
EstoNews On-Line:
https://estonewsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
Cover:
https://www.apollo.ee/et/metsavendlus-vastupanu-noukogude-okupatsioonivoimule.html
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Esitlusele tuli põhjalik raamat metsavendlusest
Postimees | Apollo Pood
“Eesti sõjamuuseumi ja Eesti Mälu Instituudi koostöös on ilmunud koguteos ‘Metsavendlus: vastupanu Nõukogude okupatsioonivõimule’ [1944-1958], mis kuulub sarja ‘Sõja ja rahu vahe’. Üheksa autori ühistööna valminud teos annab esimest korda koondülevaate Eesti metsavendluse ajaloost ja asetab selle okupeeritud Eesti laiemasse julgeolekupoliitilisse konteksti.
https://raamatud.postimees.ee/8433192/galerii-esitlusele-tuli-pohjalik-raamat-metsavendlusest
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https://www.apollo.ee/et/metsavendlus-vastupanu-noukogude-okupatsioonivoimule.html
Estonia has repatriated 1,084 people from the Middle East
ERR, 9. March
“… on seven extraordinary flights, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) said on Sunday. Around 400 Estonian citizens remain in the region.”
https://news.err.ee/1609961942/nearly-400-estonian-citizens-still-in-middle-east-conflict-zone
“Seitse erilendu läks Eestile maksma planeeritust vähem.”
Postimees
“Lähis-Ida seitse erilendu läksid riigile maksma 800,000 eurot.”
ERR
Russian spy balloons monitor Estonia energy infrastructure near Ida-Viru border
United24 | Dagens
“According to CCD under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, the balloons are used to conduct continuous monitoring of facilities belonging to the Estonian energy company Eesti Energia in the border region of Ida-Viru region. The surveillance reportedly targets power plants and oil shale mining sites that are considered critical components of Estonia’s energy sector.”
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https://www.dagens.com/news/russia-accused-of-using-spy-balloons-near-estonias-energy-sites
Interview: Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal
Euronews
“Michal told Euronews that ‘nobody understands’ Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán’s positions on Ukraine and said he expected the EU to lift Hungary’s veto and unveil plans to deliver the €90 billion loan to Ukraine.”
Estonia is an ally of U.S., but …
ERR
“… is not adopting the ‘MAGA’ ideology, Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.”
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“In the world of security, I consider us allies, but the alliance comes with a caveat, which I described in my speech [given in Tartu on the eve of Estonian Independence Day]: MAGA rhetoric, or putting oneself first, closing borders and such simple, conservative solutions have entered into Estonian politics through Isamaa and EKRE and, to some extent, through the Center Party," said Michal, in response to a question about whether the Reform Party is pro-European or pro-American.”
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"We definitely have good official relations between our two countries. We are good allies and we are valued there. But when it comes to American messages, for example about freedom of speech, where they themselves rank between 50th and 60th place in the world, and we are in around first, second, or third place – we have no problem with freedom of speech – we certainly do not need to listen to those lessons," Michal explained.”
https://news.err.ee/1609963643/pm-estonia-an-ally-of-us-but-not-adopting-maga-ideology
“Opposition Riigikogu member Raimond Kaljulaid: the prime minister's MAGA criticism is a mistake.”
ERR
Pärnu Airport's future up in the air
By Kristi Raidla, ERR
“Finnish company Redstone Aero is interested in running the airport but wants the Estonian government and City of Pärnu to continue paying subsidies for its maintenance. Pärnu Airport is facing its third successive summer without any international flights. The airport currently only serves the remote island of Ruhnu and hosts charter flights. Last year it served approximately 1,000 passengers.”
https://news.err.ee/1609966163/parnu-airport-s-future-still-up-in-the-air
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“Sahara kõrbetorm jõudis Euroopasse: ka Eesti taevas värvus kummaliselt oranžiks.”
Postimees
“Fuel prices rise again at Estonian gas stations.”
ERR
“Pärnus võivad jääolud veel raskemaks minna.”
ERR
“Estonia is on the frontline of Russia's propaganda war.”
School Week
“Video Eesti karust kogub populaarsust ka välismeedias.”
Postimees
“Large hybrid power plant to be built in Pärnumaa.”
Estonian World
“US only interested in Estonia's mineral resources, says opposition EKRE leader Martin Helme.”
ERR
“Estonia has no plans to restore the peatlands on its eastern border for military defence purposes.”
Postimees
“UN ‘not fulfilling core tasks’ for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary Kaimo Kuusk.”
Shephard Media
“Estonia testing new anti-drone system.”
ERR
The Defense Post
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Around the Baltic Sea
Kaja Kallas: USA tahab Euroopat lõhestada
ERR
“Minu arvates on oluline, et kõik mõistaksid, et USA on väga selgelt öelnud, et nad tahavad Euroopat lõhestada. Neile ei meeldi Euroopa Liit," ütles Kallas reedel väljaandes Financial Times (FT) avaldatud intervjuus, mis ilmus pärast enam kui aasta kestnud segadust Atlandi-ülestes suhetes. USA president Donald Trump on oma teisel ametiajal korduvalt Euroopa Liitu rünnanud, kehtestades sellele kõrgemaid tollimakse ning rääkides Gröönimaa annekteerimisest – samm, mis võiks sisuliselt lõpetada NATO eksistentsi.”
https://www.err.ee/1609966712/kallas-usa-tahab-euroopat-lohestada
What happens in Ukraine determines when Moscow can attack the Baltics
By Paul Goble
“If the war continues at current level and if sanctions are maintained, the report says, Russia’s ability to launch an attack on the Baltics or elsewhere in eastern Europe will be limited … But if the conflict is frozen and sanctions are eased or eliminated, Moscow will be able to rebuild its forces and be able to attack to the West in three to five years; and if there is a peace treaty and sanctions are lifted, then that period will be reduced to one to two years, according to the Lithuanian intelligence service.”
http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2026/03/what-happens-in-ukraine-and-whether.html
Rootsi vahistas arestitud Vene varilaevastiku tankeri kapteni
ERR
“Rannikuvalve läks neljapäeva hilisõhtul Rootsi territoriaalvetes Trelleborgi linna lähedal 228-meetrise tankeri Sea Owl I pardale. See juhtus vähem kui nädal pärast seda, kui samas piirkonnas peeti kinni teine valelipu all sõitnud kaubalaev. Sea Owl I sõitis Komooride lipu all, mida rannikuvalve pidas võltsituks.”
https://www.err.ee/1609967090/rootsi-vahistas-arestitud-vene-varilaevastiku-tankeri-kapteni
Putin and Trump gave 'old, fat, lazy' Europe a wake-up call
ABC Australia | ASPI | MSN
“… and Margus Tsahkna has vowed that NATO forces will strike ‘into the heart of Russia’ if Moscow invades Baltic countries. Tsahkna has also encouraged Australia to join his country's plan to block entry to Russian fighters, warning battle-hardened veterans could easily flood into Western nations to carry out acts of sabotage, particularly after the war in Ukraine ends.”
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Finland to lift ban on nuclear weapons imports
Yle
“… Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) announced on Thursday evening. He noted that the 1980s-era restriction is no longer aligned with Finland's requirements as a Nato member. … He added that the transport of nuclear munitions into Finland will be permitted only in situations directly related to the country's military defence. In all other cases, bringing nuclear devices into Finland will remain strictly prohibited. Speaking to the press, Häkkänen declined to give examples of scenarios in which nuclear weapons might be brought into Finland, citing the classified nature of Nato nuclear policy.”
“Estonia says it is ready to discuss extending the French nuclear umbrella.”
Meta Defense
“How Much Protection Can French Nukes Offer?”
CEPA
NATO begins major Arctic military exercise across Finland, Norway and Sweden
Helsinki Times, 9. March
“The Cold Response 26 exercise, led by Norway, brings together about 25,000 soldiers from 14 countries for nearly two weeks of training in winter conditions across the Nordic region.”
“In Norwegian Arctic, civilian doctors, volunteer 'casualties' rehearse for war.”
Reuters
Russian naval movements to Baltic and Northern regions
Oddessa Journal
“… once navigation opens along the Don-Volga-Ladoga–Finnish Gulf river route, likely between April and May. Russia will then begin transferring several of its naval assets northward. These include missile corvettes of the Buyan and Karakurt classes, as well as non-missile Project 22160 corvettes, including those currently stationed in the Caspian Sea.”
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“In the Baltic, these ships are expected to carry out escort duties for tankers amid rising tensions in the Danish Straits and maintain a naval presence aimed at Sweden.”
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“Baltic states voice readiness to use oil reserves.”
Baltic Times
“Latvia may release up to 40,000 tons of oil reserves.”
BNN
“Soome kaalub mõtet anda oma vanad Hornet hävituslennukid Ukrainale.”
Postimees
“Lithuania to ban Russians who fought in Ukraine from entering country.”
LRT
“Members of the Parliaments of Estonia and Latvia are discussing cross-border connections in Pärnu.”
LSM
“Most Swedes who were stranded in the Middle East have now returned home.”
Radio Sweden
“Number of Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania rises by more than 10,000 in a year.”
LRT
“Poll: Young people's life satisfaction falls to record low in Finland.”
Yle
“About 1,700 German brigade troops now serving in Lithuania.”
LRT
“Lithuania Finalizes Plan to Assemble 44 advanced German Leopard 2A8 Tanks.”
National Interest
Novaya Gazeta
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Ukraine
Estonia in the War for Ukraine: Four Years of Military Support
By Serhii Rudko
Militarnyi
“Among the countries that took a decisive stance from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, Estonia occupies a special place. Small in both territory and population, this Baltic state quickly became one of the most active supporters of increased military assistance to Ukraine. Ukraine received artillery systems, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, drones, communications equipment, and other military equipment. At the same time, Estonia joined the training of Ukrainian military personnel, engineering support efforts, and international coordination of military assistance.”
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“An important feature of Estonia’s policy was the combination of short-term military aid with the development of a long-term support model. The country’s government is committed to allocating at least 0.25% of its gross domestic product annually to defense support for Ukraine, making Estonia one of the leaders among Ukraine’s allies in terms of the ratio of aid to economic capacity. At the same time, Tallinn actively promoted initiatives aimed at increasing ammunition production in Europe, expanding defense-industrial cooperation, and creating international coalitions to support Ukraine.”
https://militarnyi.com/en/blogs/estonia-in-the-war-for-ukraine-four-years-of-military-support/
“Kaja Kallas: Russia Has to Lose Its Last Colonial War.”
Nordic Defense Review
“Ukraine's anti-drone tech in demand in Gulf and NATO.”
Deutsche Welle
“US and Mideast countries seek Kyiv’s drone expertise as Russia-Ukraine talks put on ice.”
AP
“German parts have been found in drones used by Russia.”
DW
“Russia steps up drone attacks on Ukraine's railways.”
Deutsche Welle
“The Evolution of the Russian National Guard.”
Riddle
Interview with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
By Caolan Robertson
“We discussed reports that Donald Trump has asked Ukraine for help with drone interceptor technology, the escalating conflict involving Iran, the security situation in the Middle East, and whether the world is drifting toward a much wider war.”
https://youtu.be/hYa7H1EmpCM?si=zlx9OOjRs0NuCypp&t=56
“Zelenski Trumpile: avaldage rohkem survet Putinile, mitte mulle.”
ERR
“Zelenskyy to Trump: Put more pressure on Putin, ‘not on me’.”
Politico Europe
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Putin’s Forever War
Kreml valmistab Vene elanikkonda ette internetita tulevikuks
Postimees Arvamus
“Venemaal Moskvas ja veel mitmel pool mujal ilmub teateid juba nädal aega kestnud internetikatkestusest. Sotsiaalmeedias on levinud arvamus, et tegemist on testiga, mis peab selgitama välja kontrollitud keskkonnas, millised oleks tegelikult pikemajalise internetikatkestuse tagajärjed Venemaal, kirjutab julgeolekuekspert Rainer Saks.”
Unexplained Moscow internet blackouts spark fears of web censorship plan
Novaya Gazeta | The Guardian
“Kremlin is appearing to ramp up control over their internet, as it tests new ‘whitelist’ restrictions and pushes people to state-owned apps.:”
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“A mass internet outage in Moscow entered its second week on Thursday, with residents of the Russian capital, including lawmakers in Russia’s State Duma, continuing to face difficulties connecting to wireless networks across the city.”
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“Residents first experienced outages in the southern and central districts of Moscow on 5. March, but by Tuesday issues with mobile data and public Wi-Fi networks were being reported in at least 23 districts of the city, as well as by internet users in Russia’s second city St. Petersburg.”
—
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https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2026/03/12/independence-day-en
“How Has Starlink Shutdown Impacted Russia’s War Effort?”
The Moscow Times
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