Contents tagged with Estonia
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Estonia and Finland plan to close Gulf of Finland to Russian ships
Tallinn and Helsinki are intensifying their cooperation in maritime defense, focusing on developing specific plans to completely shut off the Baltic Sea to Russian ships if necessary, reports Helsingin Sanomat, citing Estonian Defense Forces Commander Major General Andrus Merilo.
"Military cooperation between Finland and Estonia is increasingly centered on naval defense, and the goal is to come up with concrete plans on how the neighboring countries can close the Gulf of Finland to Russian …
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New NATO military base launched in Southern Estonia near Russian border
Television and radio broadcaster ERR has reported the inauguration of a new military base, Reedo, in southern Estonia. The facility, located in the village of Juba near the town of Võru, consists of 14 buildings and can accommodate up to one thousand personnel.
According to ERR, the base will serve as a "rallying point for preparations in line with NATO's defensive plans." The site is strategically positioned just tens of kilometers from the Russian and Latvian borders, underscoring its …
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Estonia signals readiness to preemptively strike Russia to defend NATO
During an interview with the Estonian public broadcaster ERR, Estonian General Vahur Karus has stated that Estonia is ready to strike Russian territory if Moscow shows signs of preparing for an attack on NATO.
"Our capability to neutralize the enemy on its own territory is crucial," General Karus emphasized, pointing to a new strategy where waiting to be attacked first is no longer an option.
Before the full-scale war in Ukraine, Estonia's strategy was to hold off any Russian aggression for 10 …
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Estonian Intelligence: Ukrainian Forces have successfully slowed Russian advance in Pokrovsk
Colonel Ants Kiviselg, the head of the Estonian Defense Forces Intelligence Center, stated that Russia has not made significant progress on the battlefield in Ukraine in recent days, ERR reports.
"If there were 140-160 shelling incidents daily in July and August, now, in early September, their number reaches 190, indicating that the Russian Federation still exerts significant pressure on Ukraine's defense on the front lines," the intelligence chief noted.
According to him, the Russian Armed …
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Estonian Defense Minister calls for clear goals in Western support for Ukraine
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has voiced concerns that the lack of a clear political objective regarding Western support for Ukraine is a fundamental issue. Pevkur made these comments during the GLOBSEC conference in Prague, as reported by Evropeyska Pravda.
Addressing debates on Western "strategic ambiguity" towards aiding Ukraine, Pevkur noted that while Western partners pledge to give Ukraine "the help it needs" for "as long as necessary," they intentionally avoid specifying their …
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Estonian Orthodox Church declares independence from Moscow Patriarchate, adopts new charter
In a bold move signaling growing religious independence, the Estonian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) has officially severed its ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and updated its charter, reports DW.
Under the revised charter, the church will gain full autonomy over religious affairs, economic activities, educational initiatives, and public church matters.
Earlier this year, on May 6, Estonia's parliament passed a resolution condemning the Moscow Patriarchate …
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Funding shortfall for Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, says Estonian Defense Minister
Several countries have already contributed to the Czech Republic's initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine, but funds are still insufficient, said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur as reported by ERR.
"If we're talking about a million rounds, that translates to around three billion euros. There are different calibers, cheaper ones to a lesser extent. It would be great if we could get it all done. Currently, it can be said that there is a larger shortfall in funding than in ammunition, …
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Estonian Defense Chief warns of Putin's intention to invade Baltics
The threat of a nuclear response or losses will not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from potentially invading Baltic countries, according to the Chief of Defence of the Estonian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Martin Herem, as reported by Voice of America.
General Herem stressed the urgent need to strengthen the nation's defenses in case of a possible Russian invasion. He stated that a significant increase in the defense budget is necessary to achieve a decisive victory over any …
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Estonian Defense Minister predicts difficult period for Ukrainian Armed Forces due to decreased western aid
Estonia's defense minister, Kusti Salm, has warned that Ukraine is entering a difficult period in the ongoing war, which will require significant efforts. Europe must take responsibility for its own security, ERR cites Kusti Salm as saying.
Salm believes this period of severe challenges will continue until Western support can help Ukraine achieve a balance in the conflict. He hopes that in the coming months, Europe will allocate resources to purchase long-range weapons for Ukraine.
"I think …
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US transfers confiscated Russian funds to Estonia for Ukrainian aid
The United States has transferred $500,000 in confiscated Russian funds to Estonia to aid Ukraine, repoted the US Department of Justice.
According to the department, the funds were seized by the US following the interception in 2022 of an illicit attempt to import into Russia a high-precision coordinate grinding machine produced in America, intended for use "in the defense sector and in the sphere of nuclear weapons proliferation."
The machine does not require an export license to European …