Recent remarks by Estonian President Alar Karis have led to questions from foreign partners about Estonia’s position on the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, ERR reports. Following his visit to Kyiv, Tsahkna said that the President’s suggestions of possible EU talks with Russia, lifting sanctions, and for Ukraine to cede territory had…
Latvia’s pro-Russian opposition party, For Stability, may be dissolved, LETA reports. Earlier, the Latvian Prosecution Office (LRP) ordered For Stability to remove social media content that violated regulations on political parties. The law prohibits political parties from acting against the independence or territorial integrity of Latvia or other democratic states, advocating for the violent overthrow…
Estonian President Alar Karis assured that Estonia’s foreign policy remained united despite criticism of his comments on the war in Ukraine, ERR reports. Earlier, Karis expressed support for appointing a special EU envoy for peace talks with Russia and suggested that Ukraine cede territory to end the war. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening…
All but two Latvian mayors have been granted access to state secrets as required by law, LETA reports. The State Security Service (VDD) has refused security clearances to Aleksandrs Bartasevics, chairman of the Rezekne city council, and Gatis Truksnis, former mayor of Jurmala. VDD is still reviewing the security clearances of five deputy chairs of…
Lithuanian officials have been making public statements recently suggesting a possible rapprochement in relations with neighbouring Belarus, only to retract their remarks afterwards, LRT reports. Observers say that the comments may be an attempt to test whether Lithuanian public opinion on Belarus is changing. Officials have suggested opening talks with Belarus and easing sanctions imposed…
State-owned and municipal companies in Latvia involved in building or maintaining critical infrastructure have begun dismissing Russian and Belarusian citizens, LETA reports. Under amendments to the law on national security, Russian and Belarusian citizens may not be employed in jobs with access to critical infrastructure. Latvian capital Riga’s municipal water utility, Rigas Udens, has terminated…
Estonian authorities have released a Bahamian-flagged container ship stopped earlier on suspicion of drug smuggling, ERR reports. The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) found no narcotics on board the vessel, Baltic Spirit, which was en route from Puerto Bolívar in Ecuador to Saint Petersburg in Russia. Estonian authorities boarded and detained the ship based…
Estonia will close two more crossing points on the border with Russia at night as of 24 February 2026, initially for a period of three months, ERR reports. The Koidula and Luhamaa border crossing points will be closed to all traffic at night. Prime Minister Kristen Michal pointed to Russia’s “irrational behaviour” as the reason…
Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina back an idea to appoint a special EU envoy for talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine, Euronews reports. Speaking in interviews at the World Governments Summit in the UAE, both Karis and Silina said that any communication with Russia should be conducted…
