The leaders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have stated the need for a joint decision on dismantling railway connections with Russia and Belarus. The presidents of the Baltic countries discussed this issue and handed it over to the ministers for further consideration.
MEPs are considering regulating energy drinks for minors due to health risks. Some EU countries already have age restrictions, but the European Commission notes that there is insufficient data for safe daily limits for children.
The Saeima of Latvia has adopted amendments to the law on supporting citizens of Ukraine, reducing funding and revising the set of services. The changes will affect one-time employment benefits, travel benefits, and medical services.
The European Commission is urging Western allies to speed up payments on a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. This comes as Belgium is stalling EU efforts to support Ukraine with a larger financing scheme using Russian assets.
The sanctions coalition imposed restrictions on over 500 entities in Russia's energy sector, including oil tankers and financial institutions. This led to a decrease in the price of Russian oil and a reduction in its exports, forecasting significant losses for the Russian budget.
Latvia, the leader of the Drone Coalition, has supplied Ukraine with about 12,000 drones this year. President Zelenskyy discussed defense support and sanctions pressure on Russia with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže.
The Latvian government is exploring the possibility of completely dismantling railway tracks leading to Russia, following a meeting between President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on November 26. The first conclusions of the analysis, conducted with the participation of the National Armed Forces and in coordination with Lithuania and Estonia, are expected in early 2026.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže arrived in Kyiv on November 26, where she was met by her Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha. She declared the support of the Latvian government and society for Ukraine in its struggle for a peaceful future.
A Ukrainian citizen has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison in Lithuania for setting fire to an IKEA furniture store in Vilnius. He was also accused of illegal possession of explosives and ties to Russian military intelligence.
The heads of the foreign affairs committees of 20 European countries adopted a joint statement on the war in Ukraine. They emphasized that a just peace must be based on international law and respect Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Ukraine's men's basketball team has begun preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers in Riga. Dmytro Skapintsev and Oleksiy Len ignored call-ups to the national team, while 12 players are preparing for matches against Georgia and Denmark.
Switzerland has allocated almost $12 million to the World Bank fund to support the restoration of the Ukrainian healthcare system. The funds will be directed to a project to expand access to medical services, restore and modernize hospitals, and provide them with modern equipment.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkēvičs on Latvia's Independence Day. Ukraine is grateful to Latvia for its unwavering support and active stance.
Ukrainian drone system manufacturer SkyFall presented the modular interceptor P1-Sun at the Dubai Airshow. This FPV interceptor, designed to destroy Russian cruise missiles, interested delegations from the USA, France, and Great Britain.
Lithuania has banned Russian rapper Alisher Morgenshtern from entering for 10 years due to a threat to national security. The decision was made after a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the collection of additional information.
The performance of the American rock band Limp Bizkit in Tallinn, scheduled for May 31, 2026, has been canceled. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "there is no place for supporters of the aggressor state either in Estonia or in the Estonian cultural space."
Latvia and Estonia are ready to show solidarity with Vilnius over Belarusian contraband balloons, said Lithuanian Prime Minister Ruginiene. Poland has already joined Lithuania, refusing to open its borders with Belarus.
Northern and Baltic NATO allies announced on November 13 the funding of a joint PURL package worth $500 million for Ukraine. This package includes military equipment and ammunition from the United States.
A number of European countries will receive additional support from the EU to overcome the growing migration burden. The new mechanism will become operational after the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum comes into force in mid-2026.
Estonia is considering canceling Limp Bizkit's concert in May 2026 due to Fred Durst's past pro-Russian statements. The authorities believe that supporters of Russia have no place in the Estonian cultural space, despite the musician not making political statements in recent years.
The defense concern Rheinmetall and the Finnish company ICEYE are establishing Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH. The goal is to strengthen European capabilities in space reconnaissance and SAR satellite production.
The Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Latvia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the defense-industrial sphere. The parties discussed joint projects in the field of security and innovation, including the production of drones.
In Latvia, access to 27 Internet resources spreading Russian propaganda has been restricted. These websites systematically disseminated one-sided information about Russia's war against Ukraine and justified the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The German arms concern Rheinmetall AG has begun construction of an ammunition production plant in Lithuania, which is the largest defense investment in the country's history. The enterprise will start operating in mid-2026, producing up to 100,000 shells annually.
Defense ministers from ten Joint Expeditionary Force countries will meet in Norway. This is the first JEF meeting with the participation of Ukraine's defense minister and the first above the Arctic Circle.
Latvian President Rinkēvičs has returned the law on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for "deeper discussion. " This decision has caused widespread public outcry, including a petition with over 62,000 signatures against denunciation.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal condemned Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, calling it a move in the wrong direction. He emphasized the importance of the convention in combating domestic violence.
On October 30, the Saeima of Latvia adopted a bill on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. 56 deputies voted for denunciation, 32 against, and two abstained.
Around five thousand people protested in Riga against Latvia's plans to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. The Saeima is expected to vote on this decision on October 30.
On October 28, Polish fighters intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft over the Baltic Sea, which was performing a reconnaissance mission with its transponder turned off. The aircraft did not violate Polish airspace, but NATO countries on the eastern flank are on high alert.
