Belgian powerlifting champion Sonita Muluh speaks out about feeling unsafe after a spotter at the 2026 World Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania admitted to intentionally interfering with her record lift and expressing racist views.
Lithuania's national security adviser, Deividas Matulionis, stated that the country perceives no direct threat from Russia, though he expressed concern about growing "isolated malicious acts." This contrasts with broader EU accusations against Russia, which Russia denies.
A NATO Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II reconnaissance aircraft, previously observed over the Black Sea, is now operating in the Baltic region, flying over Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The aircraft departed from Romania and maintains a flight path clear of Russian and Belarusian borders.
Konstantin Kosachev, deputy chairman of Russia's Federation Council, stated that the EU abandoned its European values by overlooking human rights violations in Baltic states during their accession, leading to its current silence on events in Ukraine.
NATO fighter jets stationed at Lithuania's Zokniai Air Base escorted Russian military aircraft 24 times in June near the Baltic republic's airspace. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported the first week of June was the most active, with seven escorts.
Lithuania's army warehouses received a batch of anti-tank missiles worth €3 million from German manufacturer EuroSpike GmbH. This is the fourth delivery under a €11.5 million contract, with Spike LR2 missiles to be integrated into Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles.
Ukraine is pursuing significant defense agreements with at least seven NATO nations by the end of the year, aiming to become a provider of military hardware and expertise. Having already signed "drone deals" with six countries, including Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is leveraging its experience in drone warfare and air defense.
France's Naval Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lithuanian research centers to establish the Shield Lab, a maritime defense innovation laboratory in Lithuania, aiming to strengthen naval forces and boost the Baltic state's innovation potential.
Lithuania's Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas supports removing the constitutional ban on deploying weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms, on the country's territory, stating it prevents full use of NATO's defense capabilities.
Lithuania's top political leaders, including President Gitanas Nauseda, support removing the constitutional ban on deploying weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, on national territory. The initiative aims to strengthen NATO's deterrence system.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced that top political leaders agreed to remove the constitutional ban on domestic nuclear weapons deployment, deeming Article 137 "outdated." This follows Finland's similar decision and comes amid worsening geopolitical tensions, including a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine.
Lithuania is debating the removal of a constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction, with President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius supporting the change. The move aims to enhance NATO defense capabilities amid a deteriorating geopolitical situation, though there are no immediate plans to store nuclear weapons.
Lithuania's foreign ministry announced the temporary suspension of economic cooperation action plan negotiations with Taiwan due to domestic political changes following the formation of a new coalition government. Talks may resume after the new administration is in office and its program is approved.
Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of Lithuania's ruling Social Democratic Party, will replace Inga Ruginienė as Prime Minister. The move follows the exclusion of the Dawn of Nemunas party due to antisemitic hate crimes by its chair. A new coalition is expected Thursday.
立陶宛國會通過決議，將派遣最多40名軍事及國防文職人員參與荷莫茲海峽國際海上安全行動，以維護海上安全與能源穩定，並被認為有助於爭取美軍在立陶宛的長期駐紮。
Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Raimundas Vaišnoras stated that Lithuania needs to increase defense spending to 10% of GDP. Currently, the country spends 5.38% of its GDP on defense, supporting 20-25,000 soldiers.
Eastern European states, particularly Poland and the Baltic nations, are competing to host new US military bases, seeking political insurance and protection from domestic pressure over national security and sovereignty concerns.
French warplanes scrambled 11 times in a week for NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission, intercepting Russian military aircraft. France cited this as unusual "provocations" possibly aimed at "flexing muscles" during Russia's St. Petersburg Economic Forum.
Poland and Lithuania are in early discussions about their potential role in NATO's nuclear deterrence efforts, exploring options like hosting dual-capable aircraft. While Poland denies plans to host nuclear weapons, discussions focus on 'nuclear sharing light' and complementing U.S. and French initiatives.
Lithuania is set to receive over 1,000 US soldiers from the 5,000 troops being withdrawn from Germany. The exact timing and size of the deployment are still to be announced, as the US reviews its military presence in Europe.
Belarus's UN envoy Larisa Belskaya stated that threats of aggression against Belarus are increasing, citing rising NATO military spending and defense initiatives by neighboring countries. She highlighted concerns over missile defense systems, potential deployment of nuclear weapons, and the critical need for dialogue among nuclear states.
A Lithuanian race has set special conditions for Russian and Belarusian athletes, requiring them to have Lithuanian residency, condemn the war in Ukraine, and compete under the Ukrainian flag without claiming prizes.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė denied that Baltic states have allowed Ukraine to use their territory for drone strikes deep into Russia. She stated that the Baltic countries have never provided their airspace or territories for such attacks.
Russia has lodged a strong protest with Lithuania's interim charge d'affaires, Jolanta Tubaitė, over plans to dismantle the graves of Soviet soldiers in the town of Vevis. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the move as "barbaric" and part of a "malicious campaign" to desecrate Soviet military remains.
