This issue leads with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas warning the EU not to “humiliate itself” by begging Russia for talks, calling instead for stronger pressure on Moscow as the Ukraine peace process stalls. We also cover Washington’s decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany and cancel a planned long-range missile deployment, raising questions about Europe’s deterrence posture. Inside the Baltics: nearly 30 Estonian defence tech companies showcased solutions at the Estonia–Ukraine Defence Cooperation Forum in Kyiv, Latvia reports rapid defence-industry growth and procures locally made UGVs, and Lithuania signs to buy a second HIMARS battery from Lockheed Martin. Plus: an interview with BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CEO on CV90 cooperation, a startup building an Estonia-wide drone traffic detection network, and debate over the ammunition mix planned for Turkey’s ARCA production in Estonia.
