Ukraine-Russia War & Security: Ukraine says it’s ready for direct talks with Putin but warns it will boost retaliatory strikes; meanwhile a major drone wave hit Russia’s St Petersburg ahead of Putin’s SPIEF forum, disrupting mobile internet and briefly closing Pulkovo Airport, with Zelensky confirming strikes on targets including an oil terminal and Kronstadt. Estonia–US Defence Posture: Estonia has “no clarity” on future US troop rotations as Washington reviews its NATO force model; Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur says current deployments are proceeding as usual but replacement units and timing remain uncertain. Border & Internal Security: Interior Minister Igor Taro links Narva border queues to Russia’s war and intensified customs checks to prevent sanctioned goods reaching Russia, while rejecting calls to reopen additional crossings. Counter-Drone Build-Up: Estonia is moving to expand its border anti-drone monitoring and is set to start construction of a new Defense Forces base in Narva later this year. EU Policy: 11 countries including Estonia urged the EU to tighten Schengen tourist visa rules for Russians, citing high visa volumes despite the war. Local Governance: Tallinn scrapped the Lasnamäe hospital design contract after €3m spent, blaming lack of state funding and an unclear financing model. Immigration & Labour: Estonia’s draft Aliens Act changes would allow up to 2,600 foreign workers per year during growth periods to ease labour shortages.