Tag: Lithuania

The frequency balancing facility of Latvia's transmission system operator AST (Augstspriegumu Tikls) is pictured in Grobina, near the border with Lithuania.
TOP STORIES

Three NATO countries still rely on Russia for their electricity grid but are close to ending this dependence

Estonia, together with its Baltic neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, is eagerly anticipating the end of one of the last remnants of 50 years of Soviet rule: a power grid still under Russian control. As part of the final preparations for this transition, authorities are working to ready the public for the possibility of power outages, a scenario that many consider unlikely. A recent post from … Continue reading Three NATO countries still rely on Russia for their electricity grid but are close to ending this dependence

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Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile.
DEFENCE

Russia’s Iskander-1000 missile has raised significant concerns in Europe, seen as a potential “game changer”

In a development that could significantly alter the security landscape of Europe, Russia has reportedly commenced mass production of its latest ballistic missile variant, the Iskander-1000. Military analysts have characterized this weapon as a potential “game changer.” The Iskander-1000 represents a substantial upgrade to the Iskander-M ballistic missile system, boasting an impressive range of up to 1,000 km—twice that of its predecessor, which had a … Continue reading Russia’s Iskander-1000 missile has raised significant concerns in Europe, seen as a potential “game changer”

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DEFENCE

Lithuania plans to raise its defence budget to 5-6% of GDP due to security threats from Russia

Lithuania has declared its intention to raise defence spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP starting in 2026, a move prompted by concerns over potential Russian aggression in the region, as stated by President Gitanas Nausėda on Friday. The decision, described as “historic,” was made by the State Defence Council and aims to achieve this spending level from 2026 to 2030. Nausėda emphasized the … Continue reading Lithuania plans to raise its defence budget to 5-6% of GDP due to security threats from Russia

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DEFENCE

Europe’s Recruitment Dilemma: NATO Faces Troop Shortages

Throughout much of its existence, NATO has faced a significant challenge: a shortage of troops. This concern was particularly pronounced during the Cold War, as NATO observed the Warsaw Pact’s 6 million troops stationed in East Germany, compared to their own 5 million, along with a greater number of divisions, tanks, combat aircraft, and submarines. Since that time, the situation has only deteriorated. In the … Continue reading Europe’s Recruitment Dilemma: NATO Faces Troop Shortages

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TOP STORIES

Armenian authorities have approved a proposal to begin the process of applying for EU membership

On Thursday, the Armenian government approved a bill aimed at initiating the country’s application to join the European Union. This move comes as Armenia has increasingly strengthened its ties with Western nations, distancing itself from its historically close relationship with Moscow, which has been criticized for not adequately supporting Armenia against its longstanding adversary, Azerbaijan. The legislation was proposed following a successful petition drive. According … Continue reading Armenian authorities have approved a proposal to begin the process of applying for EU membership

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DEFENCE

NATO is set to enhance its initiatives aimed at countering acts of sabotage from Russia and China

NATO is set to enhance intelligence sharing and bolster the security of critical infrastructure in response to “hostile” sabotage actions by Russia and China against its allies, stated NATO chief Mark Rutte on Tuesday. Rutte emphasized that in recent years, both Russia and China have sought to undermine NATO member states through sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and energy coercion aimed at instilling fear. He affirmed … Continue reading NATO is set to enhance its initiatives aimed at countering acts of sabotage from Russia and China

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The Chinese flag is seen in this illustration.
DIPLOMACY

China denounces Lithuania’s decision to expel its diplomats

Foreign ministry of China expressed strong condemnation and firm opposition on Monday regarding Lithuania‘s decision to declare three Chinese diplomats from its Office of the Charge d’Affaires as personae non gratae. The ministry’s statement highlighted that Lithuania failed to provide justification for the diplomats’ expulsion, which occurred on Friday, and reiterated its strong disapproval of the action. Lithuania’s foreign ministry referenced violations of the Vienna … Continue reading China denounces Lithuania’s decision to expel its diplomats

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Ukrainian First Deputy Prime and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko
DEFENCE

Ukraine is finalizing three new joint ventures with European defense manufacturers

Ukraine is on the verge of establishing three additional joint ventures with European arms manufacturers as part of its strategy to enhance military production amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to the first deputy prime minister. Yulia Svyrydenko, who also serves as the economy minister, noted that five joint ventures with Western defense firms have already been formed, including partnerships with companies from Germany … Continue reading Ukraine is finalizing three new joint ventures with European defense manufacturers

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TOP STORIES

Kyiv says contingent of North Korean soldiers has been observed in Russia’s Kursk region

A contingent of North Korean soldiers has been observed in Russia‘s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine and has been the site of ongoing military activities, as reported by Ukraine’s military intelligence service on Thursday. In a statement shared on its official Telegram channel, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine indicated that some North Korean troops, who had undergone training in Russia’s far east, have arrived in … Continue reading Kyiv says contingent of North Korean soldiers has been observed in Russia’s Kursk region

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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
DEFENCE

Lithuania’s foreign minister asserts that Ukraine should have the autonomy to use the weapons it has been provided

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, stated in an interview on Thursday that Ukraine must have the freedom to utilize the arms it has received. He expressed hope that Kyiv would be able to extend its reach into Russian territory with the weapons that Washington plans to supply. While acknowledging the importance of arming Ukraine, Landsbergis emphasized that the effectiveness of such support diminishes if Kyiv … Continue reading Lithuania’s foreign minister asserts that Ukraine should have the autonomy to use the weapons it has been provided

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