Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has asserted that the Soviet Union's unpunished occupation of the Baltic states contributed to Russia's current aggression. Speaking in The Hague, he emphasized the critical need for reparations for Ukraine, drawing parallels with Lithuania's own historical experience.
Vytautas Sinica, chairman of Lithuania's National Alliance, has asserted that Europe must reinforce its identity, including Christian and national foundations, to avoid disappearance amid challenges like mass migration and external pressures.
A Lithuanian court has convicted Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the governing Nemuno Aušra party, for inciting hatred against Jews and minimizing the Holocaust. He was fined 5,000 euros for statements made in 2023, which included false accusations and antisemitic remarks.
Belarus has accused Lithuania of a drone provocation, claiming a UAV launched from Lithuanian territory crashed in Grodno after dropping 'extremist materials' and gathering intelligence. Lithuania vehemently denies the allegations, calling them false and part of a pattern of fabricated stories by Minsk. The incident further escalates already strained relations between the two nations.
Vilnius Airport temporarily suspended flights on November 30, 2025, after suspected balloons entered its airspace. This marks the latest in a series of disruptions attributed by Lithuania to 'hybrid attacks' from Belarus, involving balloons allegedly used for contraband smuggling. Several flights were diverted, causing significant travel delays.
A LOT Polish Airlines Embraer E170, flight LO771 from Warsaw, skidded off a taxiway at Vilnius Airport on November 26, 2025, during landing. All 63 passengers and 4 crew were safely evacuated without injuries, but the incident temporarily halted airport operations.
The IMF concluded its economic review in Lithuania, projecting moderate growth for 2025, around 2.7%. The mission highlighted significant fiscal pressures from demographics, rising defense spending, and green transition costs, which are expected to weaken the fiscal position in 2026. Recommendations include strengthening revenue sources and improving spending efficiency.
Ukraine has extradited Russian serviceman Margen Gadzhimagemedov to Lithuania for trial on war crime charges, including torture of prisoners in occupied Melitopol. This marks the first such extradition since Russia's full-scale invasion, with a Lithuanian volunteer among the alleged victims. Gadzhimagemedov faces potential life imprisonment.
Lithuanian drone manufacturer Granta Autonomy is intensifying its efforts to supply Ukraine with advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, including its newly unveiled X-Wing loitering munition. Operating near the Belarusian and Russian borders, the company leverages battlefield insights to develop drones like the X-Wing, which features a 4-kilogram warhead and advanced anti-jamming capabilities, with hundreds of units already ordered and undergoing trials in Ukraine.
Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence announced a comprehensive plan to establish 44 local cybersecurity operations centers across the country. Led by the National Cyber Security Centre, this initiative aims to bolster the nation's digital defense network against escalating cyber threats, enhancing public-sector cyber resilience nationwide within three and a half years.
A man was detained on November 15 near Vilnius International Airport for illegally operating a drone in restricted airspace. The incident, which caused no flight disruptions, occurred as Lithuania and the broader Baltic region face increased security concerns and airspace provocations. Authorities have initiated administrative proceedings against the operator.
Lithuanian freight carriers protested in Vilnius on November 15, 2025, against the government's decision to close the border with Belarus. The closure, enacted due to alleged 'hybrid attacks' involving contraband balloons, has led to significant business losses for truckers, with thousands of vehicles stranded and estimated annual losses reaching up to 1 billion Euros.
Foreign Ministers from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania met in Riga for the 31st Baltic Council on November 14, 2025. Discussions focused on trilateral cooperation, regional security, and unwavering support for Ukraine, including a significant aid package and strategic infrastructure projects.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has rejected Belarus's proposal for negotiations on reopening border checkpoints. The decision comes after Lithuania closed crossings due to 'hybrid attacks' involving smuggler balloons and demands the return of stranded trucks.
Lithuania marked Azerbaijan's Victory Day on November 8, commemorating the 2020 victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the liberation of Shusha. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Vilnius hosted an event highlighting the day's significance for Azerbaijan's historical justice and national will.
INVL Asset Management has launched the INVL Defence Infrastructure Fund I, a closed-end fund with a maximum size of €100 million, to finance the construction of the Rūdninkai military town in Lithuania. This initiative aims to bolster the country's security and will support the development of a crucial military facility designed to host both Lithuanian and German armed forces.
Vilnius Airport in Lithuania suspended operations for approximately 30 minutes on November 5, 2025, following the detection of an unidentified drone in its vicinity. The incident, which affected only two flights, marks the latest in a series of aerial disruptions at European airports, including recent events in Belgium. Authorities confirmed the airspace was restricted as a precautionary measure.
Lithuania is in discussions with German defense giant Rheinmetall for a potential second investment project, confirmed by presidential advisor Deividas Matulionis. This follows the recent groundbreaking of Rheinmetall's €300 million 155mm artillery ammunition plant in Baisogala, a strategic move to bolster NATO's eastern flank and Lithuania's defense capabilities.
Lithuanian and Russian energy companies, Amber Grid and Gazprom, are in talks to extend the gas transit agreement to Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast, set to expire in December 2025. The negotiations may lead to a shorter contract and higher fees, with the European Commission informed due to the EU-level implications.
Lithuania has implemented comprehensive new gambling regulations effective November 1, 2025, uniformly raising the minimum age for all gambling activities to 21. The reforms introduce stringent safety measures, including mandatory operator intervention for high-risk players, spending limits, and a phased advertising ban, aiming to curb harmful play and enhance player protection.
