Lithuania Conducts Extensive Anti-Drone Drills Near Belarus Border
Lithuania's Ministry of Defense has conducted intensive anti-drone training exercises for mobile anti-aircraft fire groups at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground, less than 10 kilometers from the Belarus border. The drills, involving heavy machine guns and RBS surface-to-air missiles, follow recent airspace violations by Russian 'Gerber' drones and new legislation expanding military authority to neutralize such threats.
Vilnius Airport Temporarily Closed as Cigarette-Smuggling Balloons From Belarus Disrupt Airspace
Vilnius Airport in Lithuania experienced a temporary closure overnight due to numerous balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus. The incident, which disrupted 30 flights and affected over 4,000 passengers, prompted Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene to warn of a potential complete border closure with Belarus if such incursions persist. This marks the second such disruption this month.
Lithuania Rejects Proposed Trump-Putin Meeting in Budapest, Citing 'No Place for War Criminals' in Europe
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys has firmly rejected a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Budrys stated there is 'no place in Europe for war criminals,' referring to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin, and emphasized that Putin's only place in Europe should be 'in The Hague, in front of the tribunal.'
Lithuania Restores Top-Level Security for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya After Brief Dispute
Lithuania has reinstated top-level security for exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya following a period of reduced protection that sparked tension. The decision to restore security came after an agreement was reached, allowing her office in Vilnius to resume full operations.
Lithuanian and Polish Presidents to Inaugurate Key Via Baltica Motorway Section
Presidents Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania and Karol Nawrocki of Poland are set to officially open a crucial section of the Via Baltica motorway. This infrastructure project, connecting Marijampolė to the Polish border, is vital for regional connectivity, economic development, and military mobility, with its full completion expected in late 2025.
Poland Secures 2-0 Victory Over Lithuania in World Cup Qualifier
Poland defeated Lithuania 2-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kaunas on October 12, 2025. Sebastian Szymański scored from a corner in the 15th minute, and Robert Lewandowski added a header in the 64th, assisted by Szymański, strengthening Poland's Group G standing.
Lithuania Reduces Security for Exiled Belarusian Opposition Leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Lithuania has scaled back the personal protection for exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, citing cost optimization and a reassessment of threat levels. The security detail, previously provided by the Dignitary Protection Service, has been transferred to the Criminal Police Bureau, a move that has led to the temporary suspension of her office's operations in Vilnius.
Lithuania's Second 700 MW Offshore Wind Tender Fails Due to Single Bidder
Lithuania's second offshore wind tender for a 700 MW project has been declared invalid after attracting only one bidder, Ignitis Group. National law requires a minimum of two participants for a tender to proceed, marking a setback for the country's renewable energy ambitions.
Widespread Protests Erupt in Lithuania Over Controversial Culture Ministry Appointment
Thousands across Lithuania have protested the ruling coalition's decision to assign the Culture Ministry to the controversial Nemunas Dawn party. Concerns over freedom of speech and democratic values intensified following the brief tenure and subsequent resignation of Minister Ignotas Adomavičius, whose party leader faces accusations of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial.
Lithuania Extends Airspace Closure Along Belarus Border Amid Drone Incursions
Lithuania has prolonged the closure of a section of its airspace bordering Belarus until December 1. This extension, announced on October 2, is a response to ongoing security concerns and a series of drone incursions, including incidents involving Russian-made drones carrying explosives.
Lithuanian Culture Minister Ignotas Adomavičius Resigns Amid Widespread Protests
Ignotas Adomavičius resigned as Lithuania's Minister of Culture on October 3, 2025, just over a week after his appointment. His tenure was met with nationwide protests, dubbed the 'Cultural Revolt,' by cultural organizations and professionals who cited concerns over his perceived lack of competence, his affiliation with the controversial 'Dawn of Nemunas' party, and his controversial remarks regarding Crimea.
Lithuania Allocates €500 Million to Fortify Air Defense, Bolstering NATO's Eastern Flank
Lithuania plans a €500 million investment to significantly upgrade its air defense capabilities, acquiring advanced NASAMS and RBS70 NG systems. This move aims to enhance national security and strengthen NATO's eastern flank amidst rising regional tensions and airspace incursions.
German Brigade Logistics Hub Inaugurated in Rukla, Lithuania, Bolstering NATO's Eastern Flank
A new Permanent Logistics and Support Area (PLSA) for the German brigade and NATO allies has officially opened in Rukla, Lithuania. The hub will facilitate military equipment maintenance and storage, marking a significant step in Germany's long-term troop deployment and strengthening NATO's collective defense on its eastern flank.
FK Panevėžys Secures Second Lithuanian Cup Title with Victory Over FC Hegelmann
FK Panevėžys has won the Lithuanian Cup for the second time in its history, defeating FC Hegelmann 1-0 in a hard-fought final on September 28, 2025, in Jonava. Ariagner Smith scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.
Turkey Deploys AWACS to Lithuania Amid Rising Russian Airspace Violations
Turkey has temporarily deployed a Boeing 737 AEW&C 'Peace Eagle' AWACS aircraft to Lithuania from September 22-25. This NATO security measure responds to recent Russian airspace incursions over the Baltic region, enhancing surveillance capabilities against low-flying drones and jets.
Lithuania to Provide Rehabilitation and Psychiatric Care for Ukrainian Children Returned from Russia
Lithuania is set to offer vital rehabilitation and psychiatric services to Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia and have since returned to Ukraine. The initiative, expected to begin this autumn, will provide medical and psychological support to approximately 150 children annually, addressing the profound impacts of their experiences.
Lithuania Unveils First Domestically Produced TAURUS 4-1 4x4 Armored Vehicle
Lithuanian company Aurida Engineering has produced the country's first domestically built MRAP armored vehicle, the TAURUS 4-1 4x4. Unveiled in September 2025, the 14-ton vehicle is designed to bolster national defense and offers STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, with potential for export.
Lithuania Establishes Central Project Management Agency Office in Kyiv to Bolster Ukraine's Reconstruction Efforts
Lithuania has officially opened the office of its Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) in Kyiv. The new branch, inaugurated by Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, aims to coordinate Lithuanian reconstruction projects, focusing on educational institutions, shelters, and institutional capacity building to support Ukraine's EU integration. This move reinforces Lithuania's significant commitment to Ukraine's recovery.
