Earlier this year, with Ukraine’s counteroffensive falling flat, Russia asserting dominance in artillery fire and U.S. aid to Kyiv mired in Washington politics, the Czech government set up a platform to gather donations from allied countries to co-finance the purchase of ammunition from producers around the world. In doing so, the aim was to side-step … Read more
VLADIMIR Putin could quickly launch an invasion of the Baltics and bring a new war to Europe, ambassadors have warned. Top diplomats to the UK from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fear the Joseph Stalin-like dictator could “pivot quickly” from Ukraine to invade the three nations. 8 Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fear Putin could ‘pivot quickly’ … Read more
Even though it would rather be the State Chancellery that’s liable for any potential abuse — and not Kariņš himself — he’s now on the way out. As prime minister, he allegedly spent €600,000 on charter flights from the state budget. On top of that, the EU wired another €557,000 to Riga for his trips, … Read more
State Prosecutor Triinu Olev said 10 people had been arrested, including both Russian nationals and dual Russian-Estonian citizens; six remain in custody. The Russian operation aimed to spread fear and create tension in Estonian society but failed to do so, the Estonian Internal Security Service stated. “Sooner or later, we will catch those who are … Read more
The U.K. also announced a new plan Thursday to lead a coalition of 14 other European countries, including Turkey, on multinational defense procurement. The two initiatives, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, “aim to increase defense industrial capacity across the Euro-Atlantic area, replenish stockpiles at pace, and continue support to Ukraine.” The U.S. and … Read more
The bans, imposed in the two regions several years ago, were the result of a long push by animal welfare activists. But they also raised fears among Muslim and Jewish community groups that they were a cover for nationalist politicians to channel anti-immigrant sentiment. Belgium holds a general election in June, at the same time … Read more
The report notes a significant rise in military production in Russia, including of artillery and armored vehicles, that is enhancing Moscow’s ability to continue fighting. That surge could outpace Ukraine’s output unless the West escalates artillery production and delivery, Estonian intelligence finds. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia could maintain its current … Read more
Thank goodness for a -5c winter’s day. The frost and snow don’t just emphasise the ethereal beauty of the winding lanes of Vilnius, the pale, painted 18th and 19th century buildings and skyline of exquisite cupolas and spires, but also give a hint of its dark history. Only a few decades ago, someone living here, … Read more
“Leaked emails between Ždanoka and her two known Russian case officers include explicit, detailed reports from Ždanoka to her handlers describing her work as a European legislator, particularly as those official duties relate to fostering pro-Kremlin sentiment in her native Baltic region,” according to the report. The Latvian security service VDD also said it will … Read more
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia agreed on Friday to set up a common Baltic defense zone on their borders with Russia and Belarus amid growing security concerns. The defense ministers of the three Baltic countries met on Friday in Riga to approve the construction of “anti-mobility defensive installations” on their eastern frontiers. They also agreed to … Read more
