Lithuania

On July 28, 2026, Finland's military announced the closure of a section of Finnish airspace and restrictions on maritime traffic off the country's southern coast near the Russian border due to the risk of stray drones. The move comes amid increasing incidents of Ukrainian military drones targeting Russia that have strayed into the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania this year, raising concerns about the Ukraine war spilling over into NATO's northern borders. A Finnish military spokesperson stated the measures ensure authorities can operate safely if drones enter the area, but declined to comment on the source of the drone activity information, citing operational security. Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian targets, while both Ukraine and NATO countries blame Russian signal jamming for diverting drones into NATO airspace. Moscow accuses Ukraine of intentionally steering drones across borders.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 02:09 PM UTC

Finland has closed part of its airspace and severely restricted maritime traffic off its southern coast near the Russian border due to the danger of stray Ukrainian drones. The measures aim to allow safe countermeasures and protect bystanders. The background involves repeated incidents where Ukrainian military drones, en route to targets in Russia, entered the airspace of NATO states including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. In March, several Ukrainian drones crashed east of Kouvola, Finland; a drone hit a power plant in Estonia; and a drone exploded in Latvia. Ukraine and NATO states blame Russian jammers for the course deviations. Estonian Defense Minister Margus Tsahkna speculated that Russia aims to split the West and weaken support for Ukraine. The article also notes that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is visiting the USA for a meeting with President Trump, while Russian President Putin has increased troop strength for the third time this year and plans to send wounded soldiers back to the front faster.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:22 AM UTC

DHL Group has agreed to acquire Lithuania-based Venipak Group, expanding its e-commerce parcel delivery operations in the Baltic states. The acquisition will fold Venipak's operating companies in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into DHL eCommerce, which specializes in cross-border and domestic B2C shipping. Venipak is one of the largest independent parcel operators in the region, with about 800 parcel lockers and an extensive out-of-home pickup network. The deal gives DHL full ownership in the fast-growing Baltic e-commerce market, rather than relying on contractors. Terms were not disclosed. Venipak will retain its brand and management during integration. The acquisition continues DHL's expansion strategy in Europe and the Middle East, following recent investments in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. The broader European parcel logistics market is seeing consolidation, with similar moves by Ceva Logistics, InPost, and FedEx.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:43 PM UTC

The Portuguese women's national beach soccer team, the defending champion, is preparing for the regular phase of the European League, aiming to secure a spot in the Superfinal again. The article also reports that Vila Flor maintains its lead in the Elite beach soccer league after thrashing Sesimbra 10-1 in the 12th round held in Matosinhos. Additionally, Portugal concluded a training camp with an 8-0 victory against Lithuania, following a previous 8-2 win in the first of two preparation matches. The team confirmed its dominance in these friendly encounters as they gear up for the upcoming European League competition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 08:01 PM UTC

American forces in Kuwait used the US-made Merops counter-drone system to intercept an Iranian Shahed one-way attack drone for the first time in combat, a US official told Business Insider. The system, which consists of a $15,000 interceptor drone capable of speeds over 175 mph and operated via Xbox controllers, has been proven in Ukraine where it downed over 1,000 Russian Shaheds. The US Army deployed Merops to the Middle East in March amid escalating conflict with Iran, which has seen dozens of Iranian missiles and drones intercepted but also resulted in four US service members killed and nearly 100 injured. Several Eastern European nations, including Poland, Romania, and Lithuania, have purchased the system following Russian incursions into NATO airspace. The Army has purchased thousands of interceptors and aims to reduce the unit cost below $10,000.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:03 PM UTC

Naval Group has unveiled an updated, heavily armed Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) design for the Lithuanian Navy, backed by a new maritime defense innovation laboratory called SHIELD Lab. On July 1, 2026, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions signed a Letter of Intent in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab, which will focus on R&D for the MP-OPV program and the international VANTAGE program. The updated MP-OPV design features corvette-level armament including an OTO 76mm main gun, VLS for surface-to-air missiles, quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, and a Hensoldt TRS-4D radar. The vessel is derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform developed for Belgium and the Netherlands, with enhanced modularity, an extended stern deck for containerized systems, and a reinforced flight deck for 6-ton helicopters. The initiative aims to integrate Lithuania into Naval Group's global industrial ecosystem through technology transfer and shipbuilding cooperation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:38 AM UTC

Naval Group has unveiled an updated, more heavily armed Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) design for the Lithuanian Navy, backed by a new maritime defense innovation laboratory called SHIELD Lab. On July 1, 2026, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions (Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and Center for Physical Sciences and Technology) signed a Letter of Intent in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab. The lab will focus on R&D for the MP-OPV programme, the international VANTAGE programme, and other defense innovation projects. The updated MP-OPV design features corvette-level armament including an OTO 76mm main gun, a Vertical Launch System for surface-to-air missiles, two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers (likely for Naval Strike Missile), two MARLIN 30mm remote weapon stations, a Hensoldt TRS-4D radar, and a STIR 1.2 fire control radar. The vessel is derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform developed for Belgium and the Netherlands, with enhanced multi-role capabilities including an extended stern deck for containerized systems and a reinforced flight deck for 6-ton helicopters.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:38 AM UTC

Naval Group has unveiled an updated, more heavily armed Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) design for the Lithuanian Navy, backed by a new maritime defense innovation laboratory called SHIELD Lab. On July 1, 2026, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions (Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology) signed a Letter of Intent in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab. The lab will support the Lithuanian Navy's future capability development, focusing on R&D for the MP-OPV program and the international VANTAGE program. The updated MP-OPV design features corvette-level armament including an OTO 76mm main gun, a VLS for surface-to-air missiles, two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, and two MARLIN 30mm RWS. The vessel is derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform developed for Belgium and the Netherlands, with enhanced versatility including an extended stern deck for containerized systems and a reinforced flight deck for a 6-ton helicopter.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:38 AM UTC

The German minehunter 'Homburg' departed its home port of Kiel to assume Germany's contribution to NATO's Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1) for several months. Operating primarily in the North Sea and North Atlantic, the vessel's main task is clearing sea areas of mines and explosive remnants of war to ensure safe sea lanes, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure in cooperation with NATO partners, particularly Lithuania and Poland. The crew, under Corvette Captain Cornelia Just, will also participate in the Northern Viking and Joint Warrior exercises. Planned port visits along the North Sea are scheduled. The 'Homburg' is expected to operate with the task force until the end of October. The article also provides background on NATO's four standing maritime task groups, which serve as rapid reaction forces for crisis response and collective defense, conducting mine warfare training, sea lane security, and historic ordnance disposal operations in the North and Baltic Seas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:30 AM UTC

The German minehunter 'Homburg' departed its home port of Kiel today to assume Germany's contribution to NATO's Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1) for several months. Commanded by Corvette Captain Cornelia Just, the vessel will focus on clearing sea areas of mines and explosive remnants to ensure safe sea lanes, with particular cooperation with Lithuania and Poland to protect critical infrastructure. The crew will also participate in the Northern Viking and Joint Warrior exercises, primarily operating in the North Sea and North Atlantic. The ship is expected to remain with the NATO group until the end of October. Port visits along the North Sea are planned. The deployment is part of NATO's rapid reaction forces, demonstrating alliance cohesion and readiness for crisis response and collective defense.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:30 AM UTC

The German minehunter 'Homburg' departed its home port of Kiel to assume Germany's contribution to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1) for several months. Operating primarily in the North Sea and North Atlantic, the vessel will focus on clearing sea areas of mines and explosive remnants of war to ensure safe sea routes and protect critical infrastructure, in cooperation with NATO partners including Lithuania and Poland. The crew, under Corvette Captain Cornelia Just, will also participate in the Northern Viking and Joint Warrior exercises. Planned port visits in the North Sea offer a change from their usual Baltic Sea operations. The 'Homburg' is expected to operate with the NATO group until the end of October. The article also provides background on NATO's standing maritime task groups, their rapid reaction role, and their tasks including historic ordnance disposal in the North and Baltic Seas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:30 AM UTC

The Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are accelerating construction of the Baltic Defence Line, a 950-km system of anti-tank ditches, concrete 'dragon's teeth,' bunkers, and other fortifications along their border with Russia. The project, agreed upon two-and-a-half years ago, is expected to link with Poland's East Shield programme. The move comes amid mounting warnings from intelligence assessments, including a statement by Lithuania's president that Russia may be planning provocations against critical infrastructure. The fortifications are designed as a layered military landscape to delay and channel any potential invasion, drawing lessons from the difficulty of retaking territory in Ukraine. Latvia has concluded contracts for first-priority works, including anti-tank ditches and communication towers, with construction beginning in the coming weeks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:06 AM UTC

Papua New Guinea announced that Taiwan's representative office would no longer be recognized within its jurisdiction. While PNG has recognized the People's Republic of China since 1976 and did not switch recognition, the move is significant because it targets Taiwan's network of unofficial representative offices, which are the real infrastructure of its international presence. The article argues this is the logical endpoint of a decade of escalating pressure on Taiwan's unofficial footholds, citing previous cases in Nigeria, Fiji, Hong Kong, Guyana, and Lithuania. The signal from PNG is that Taiwan's unofficial office network itself is now the target, further shrinking Taiwan's international space.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The article analyzes the closure of Taiwan's trade office in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as the latest and most significant step in Beijing's decade-long campaign to restrict Taiwan's unofficial diplomatic presence. Unlike previous cases where offices were downgraded or blocked, PNG evicted a long-standing mission in a country that never formally recognized Taipei. The author argues this represents a logical endpoint of escalating pressure, citing prior examples in Nigeria, Fiji, Guyana, Hong Kong, and Lithuania. Beijing's actions are grounded in an expansive interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, which originally only transferred China's UN seat. The closure occurred shortly after PNG Prime Minister James Marape's visit to China and during the 50th anniversary of PNG-China relations, signaling Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific. Taiwan has been left to reassess its economic ties with PNG.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that Russia has captured a large number of Ukrainian drones and may use them against NATO countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, or to stage a false flag attack. The warning follows over a month of public alerts from Eastern European nations, citing intelligence from the U.S. and other allies, about potential Russian hybrid attacks including GPS jamming, sabotage, and cyber warfare. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the coming months as potentially critical. Latvian and Lithuanian leaders warned of limited kinetic operations targeting critical infrastructure. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated he expects a false flag attack on Russian territory to justify escalation. The Kremlin dismissed the warnings as scare stories. Officials hope that publicly sharing intelligence, similar to the declassification before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, may deter Russian action.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:49 PM UTC

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that Russia has captured a large number of Ukrainian drones and may use them against NATO countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, or to stage a false flag attack. The warning follows over a month of heightened alerts from Eastern European nations, citing intelligence from the U.S. and other allies. Polish officials also highlighted risks of GPS jamming, sabotage, and cyber warfare. Latvian and Lithuanian leaders have warned of possible limited kinetic operations targeting critical infrastructure. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed hope that publicizing these warnings would deter Russia, similar to pre-2022 invasion intelligence sharing. The Kremlin dismissed the claims as scare stories. No primary intelligence beyond verbal statements has been publicly released.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:49 PM UTC

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated in a radio interview that Russia's setbacks in Ukraine could prompt it to escalate the conflict, with the Baltic states and Poland as likely targets. He noted that Russian society is questioning the Kremlin due to explosions inside Russia and fuel shortages. The minister's warning aligns with weeks of intelligence reports about potential Russian provocations, including false flag operations using Ukrainian citizens or drones to attack key regional infrastructure. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed these intelligence findings. In response, Lithuania is enhancing protection of transport and energy infrastructure, analyzing intelligence in real-time, and coordinating with allies, while emphasizing its actions are not meant to provoke Russia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:00 AM UTC

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated in a radio interview that Russia's military setbacks in Ukraine could prompt Moscow to escalate the conflict, with the Baltic states and Poland as likely targets. He noted that Russian society is questioning the Kremlin due to explosions inside Russia and fuel shortages. Reports of planned Russian provocations in Poland or the Baltic states have been confirmed by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, based on intelligence about potential attacks on key regional infrastructure using conventional or unconventional means, including false flag operations using Ukrainian citizens or equipment. Kaunas emphasized that Lithuania is responding by strengthening protection of transport and energy infrastructure, analyzing intelligence, and coordinating with allies, while assuring that its actions are not intended to provoke Russia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:00 AM UTC

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated in a radio interview that Russia's military setbacks in Ukraine could prompt it to expand the conflict, with the Baltic states and Poland as likely targets. He noted that explosions inside Russia and fuel shortages are causing domestic questioning of the Kremlin. Kaunas cited intelligence reports of potential Russian attacks on key regional infrastructure using conventional or unconventional means, including false flag operations involving Ukrainian citizens or equipment. Lithuania is responding by strengthening protection of transport and energy infrastructure, analyzing intelligence, and coordinating with allies, while emphasizing its actions are not intended to provoke Russia. The warning was corroborated by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:00 AM UTC

Forbes profiles Broswarm, a Lithuanian defense startup developing a drone-mounted synthetic-aperture radar system (X-SAR) to detect buried landmines and unexploded ordnance. The company's commercial thesis is counter-cyclical: demand will grow when active fighting subsides and reconstruction begins, particularly in Ukraine where UNMAS estimates 139,000 square kilometers are contaminated. Broswarm has raised €1 million, won the 2024 NATO Innovation Challenge, and has a procurement-funded R&D cooperation with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence. However, the technology has not yet been independently validated to clearance standards, and the company faces a funding gap as it is too small to compete for major European and American programs. The article highlights that demining is an enabling investment required before other reconstruction projects can begin, with every dollar invested potentially returning four dollars in economic benefits.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:00 AM UTC

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced the delivery of Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, valued at over €3 million, to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Supplied by the German company EuroSpike GmbH, the missiles are intended for the Vilkas (Wolf) infantry fighting vehicles, which are a Lithuanian variant of the Boxer armored personnel carrier equipped with an Israeli-made Rafael Samson MKII turret. The Spike LR2 missiles offer an increased range of 5.5 km (up from 4 km for the LR version) and greater lethality, designed to target armored vehicles, buildings, fortifications, and bunkers. Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated the procurement aims to deter Russia and ensure national security, with further deliveries planned to modernize ammunition stocks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:00 AM UTC

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced the delivery of Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, valued at over €3 million, to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The missiles were supplied by the German company EuroSpike GmbH and are intended for the Vilkas (Wolf) infantry fighting vehicles, which are a Lithuanian variant of the Boxer armored personnel carrier equipped with an Israeli-made Rafael Samson MKII turret. The Spike LR2 missiles have an increased range of 5.5 km (up from 4 km for the LR version) and greater lethality, designed to target armored vehicles, buildings, fortifications, and bunkers. Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas stated that the delivery is part of efforts to deter Russia and ensure peace by strengthening ammunition stocks, with further deliveries planned.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:00 AM UTC

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced the delivery of Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, worth over €3 million, to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Supplied by the German company EuroSpike GmbH, the missiles are intended for the Vilkas (Wolf) infantry fighting vehicles, which are a Lithuanian variant of the Boxer armored personnel carrier equipped with an Israeli-made Rafael Samson MKII turret. The Spike LR2 missiles offer an increased range of 5.5 km (up from 4 km for the LR version) and greater lethality, capable of engaging armored vehicles, buildings, fortifications, and bunkers. Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated the delivery is part of efforts to deter Russia and ensure peace by strengthening ammunition stocks, with further deliveries planned.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:00 AM UTC

The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, modeled after the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, is increasingly seen as ineffective. Lithuania has withdrawn from the agreement, and the largest users of cluster munitions never signed it and continue to use them. The article traces the history of cluster munitions from World War II, explaining their tactical purpose and the humanitarian concerns that led to the treaty. High failure rates of older munitions have turned conflict zones into de facto minefields, causing civilian casualties and agricultural damage long after conflicts end. The public debate often confuses cluster munitions with landmines, but the article notes that cluster munitions are less predictable and more dangerous in post-conflict settings. The analysis suggests the convention is becoming obsolete as key military powers remain outside the treaty and signatories like Lithuania exit.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:00 AM UTC

The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, modeled after the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, is increasingly seen as ineffective. Lithuania has withdrawn from the agreement, and the largest users of cluster munitions, such as the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, never signed or have ignored it. The article explains that cluster munitions, which disperse smaller submunitions over a wide area, have historically had high failure rates, leaving unexploded ordnance that kills and maims civilians, including children, for decades after conflicts end. This has led to their stigmatization in public opinion. However, the convention's relevance is now questioned as key military powers continue to use these weapons, and the treaty's membership shrinks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:00 AM UTC

The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, intended to ban submunitions like the Ottawa Treaty banned landmines, is increasingly seen as ineffective. Lithuania has withdrawn from the agreement, and major users such as the United States, Russia, and Ukraine never signed it and continue to employ cluster munitions in conflicts. The article explains that cluster munitions, first widely used in WWII, are designed to disperse smaller weapons over a wide area. Their main drawback is a high failure rate, leaving unexploded ordnance that effectively turns battlefields into minefields, killing and maiming civilians, including children, for decades. This has led to severe impacts on livestock and agriculture, fueling public stigma. The analysis questions the convention's relevance as key military powers remain outside its framework.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:00 AM UTC

Lithuanian football club Zalgiris Kaunas, which qualified for the second preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League, faces a logistical crisis after renting its home stadium, the Darius and Girėnas Stadium, to rapper Pitbull for a concert on July 31. The return leg against Faroe Islands club KI Klaksvík is scheduled for July 29, leaving insufficient time to prepare the pitch. The club attempted to swap the match order but was blocked by the Faroese national holiday on July 29 and another local club's Conference League match on July 30. As a result, Zalgiris Kaunas will likely play the match in Jonava, 30 km away, at a 2,500-capacity stadium. Club president acknowledged the concert as a major revenue source and a community event. The situation echoes a similar incident involving Lyon and a Taylor Swift concert in 2023-2024.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 03:35 PM UTC

Portuguese football club Benfica has signed 16-year-old Lithuanian midfielder Kristupas Liutvinas from the Vilnius Football Academy. The young prospect will join Benfica's U-17 team. The transfer was reported by Record Portugal on July 18, 2026. The article also includes other Benfica-related news snippets, such as a cryptic social media post by player Sudakov, transfer updates on Ibrahima Ba and Tiago Gabriel, and a friendly match result against Villarreal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:08 PM UTC

Internal documents obtained by WELT AM SONNTAG expose significant shortcomings in one of the German Defense Minister's key projects, the Lithuania Brigade. The documents, described as 'explosive,' reveal 'inadequate' and 'borderline' conditions within the Bundeswehr unit. The new data could force Defense Minister Pistorius to reverse his course on the project. The article, published on July 18, 2026, highlights the severity of the deficiencies, which may impact Germany's military commitments in Lithuania.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:32 AM UTC

FK Kauno Zalgiris, a Lithuanian football club, qualified for the second round of the Champions League for the first time in its history. However, the club will be unable to play its home leg at its usual 15,000-seat Darius and Girenas Stadium in Kaunas because the venue was rented out for a concert by American rapper Pitbull. Instead, the match against Faroese champions KÍ Klaksvík will be held 30 kilometers away in Jonava at a stadium with a capacity of only 2,500. Coach Zeljko Sopic expressed frustration, referring to the artist as 'a dog or something like that.' Club president Mantas Kalnietis acknowledged the risk, stating the concert is a major revenue source that helps fund the team's ambitions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 07:47 AM UTC