NATO Air Policing: Lithuania says a drone entered its airspace from Belarus and was shot down by NATO fighter jets near Kaunas; alerts were sent to residents and the president thanked the alliance for a “swift response,” underscoring how Russia’s hybrid tactics keep spilling into Baltic skies. Arctic Strategy: Estonia joined 11 other EU states at the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi backing a more “strategic and proactive” EU role in the High North, citing Russia’s growing military and hybrid presence and pushing for better surveillance, infrastructure and protection of EU assets. Nuclear Deterrence Talks: Estonia is in discussions with France about joining the French forward nuclear deterrence initiative, with Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressing it’s not something countries can simply “join,” while Finland has already signed up. Defense Policy at Home: Estonia’s parliament committee approved a first reading bill to allow anti-personnel mine transit through the country after Estonia withdrew from the Ottawa Convention. Sanctions Enforcement: A Russian national with Estonian and Swiss citizenship pleaded guilty in the US to illegally exporting US aerospace parts to Russia, facing up to 20 years. Transport Data: Eurostat reports EU rail freight fell 1.8% in 2025, with Estonia among the biggest decliners (-17.3%).