Lithuania
At the end of July, migrants attacked border guards at a Lithuanian border post, injuring one of them. They fled to Belarus, and Lithuania expanded the investigation.
Mindaugas Sinkavičius suggested that the drone shot down over Latvia could have been part of a false flag operation, but there is currently no evidence. Lithuania had warned of possible Russian provocations involving Ukrainian drones.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allowed destroyed enemy equipment to be transferred to foreign museums free of charge. Museums in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, and the Netherlands will each receive one T-72 tank of different modifications.
The German army has a shortage of around 2,000 service members for the permanent deployment of a brigade in Lithuania by 2027. Only 60% of positions have been filled, and the Defence Ministry is considering compulsory recruitment.
The government has allowed captured military equipment to be transferred free of charge to museums in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, and the Netherlands. This will help document the consequences of Russian aggression and advance cultural diplomacy.
NATO confirmed that an Italian Eurofighter shot down a drone over Latvia and that fighter jets were scrambled in Romania due to drones entering its airspace. The Alliance stated its readiness to respond to threats around the clock.
The Polish government threatened to review the $50 million annual payments to Starlink after the country was excluded from the European roaming zone. Ministers are demanding that SpaceX restore equal conditions for Polish customers.
A tunnel was found in the Skrudaliena Parish, through which 15 migrants illegally crossed the border. They were all returned to Belarusian territory; this is the first such case in this section.
During a large-scale special operation, the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police shut down 94 fraudulent call centers and 1,794 operator workstations. Equipment, vehicles, money, and gold were seized, and 26 individuals were notified of suspicion.
Tunnels that could have been used for illegal migration and the infiltration of saboteurs were discovered in Latvia and Lithuania. The Baltic countries are strengthening security measures and seeking joint solutions.
An Austrian company from Vienna supplied equipment for the production of engines for Russian missiles and fighter jets by falsifying certificates. A 28-year-old Belarusian citizen has been detained; the damage amounts to €3.3 million.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland are increasing the security of critical infrastructure amid fears that Russia may organize an attack using Ukrainian drones. Intelligence services warn of a possible provocation aimed at destabilizing NATO.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said that Russia could use captured Ukrainian drones to strike the Baltic countries. There is no direct threat at present, but Moscow is considering such a provocation scenario.
Vilnius University climatologist Arūnas Bukantis stated that Europe is already experiencing its fourth heatwave this summer, which will not be the last. Temperatures in Western Europe reached 43 degrees, setting records for certain months.
Lithuanian border guards found an unfinished underground tunnel near the village of Latežeris. This is already the third such case in two weeks; the tunnel did not have an exit on the Lithuanian side.
Ukrainian airlines operate 131 leased aircraft out of 152, which is 86% of the fleet. The Bureau of Economic Security is investigating cases against 5 airlines over the interpretation of lease payments as royalties.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys reported that the country's embassy in Kyiv was damaged as a result of a night Russian attack. Lithuania summons the Russian representative in Vilnius over this incident.
The building of the Embassy of Lithuania in Kyiv suffered minor damage due to a massive Russian attack. None of the employees were injured.
The Russians launched 35 missiles at Ukraine, including 27 ballistic missiles, and 185 drones. Zelenskyy stated that due to a shortage of interceptors for the Patriot system, only one ballistic missile was shot down.
Energy expert Stanislav Ignatiev stated that the current situation with fuel is not a systemic shortage, but logistical difficulties due to Russian attacks. He considers it unlikely that the price of gasoline will rise to 100 hryvnias per liter, as this would require a simultaneous combination of several crisis factors.
Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes to ban the purchase of real estate near strategic objects and to deny entry to individuals who support aggression against Ukraine. It also plans to introduce a mandatory declaration for entry for educational, cultural, or sports events.
The border agencies of four countries signed a declaration on supporting the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU. The document provides for strengthening cooperation in the field of security and the implementation of European standards.
Ukrainian military at Sea Breeze exercises in the United Kingdom practice mine countermeasure operations according to NATO standards. The tactical group headquarters undergoes NATO Level 2 evaluation.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretsky held talks with Prime Minister of Lithuania Mindaugas Sinkevičius. The parties discussed the diversification of liquefied gas supplies and strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the Russian Federation could use captured Ukrainian drones for provocations against NATO countries. Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, and Romania could be at risk.
NATO will deploy additional forces in Lithuania in case of a critical situation due to Russian provocations. The advisor to the President of Lithuania ruled out the possibility of an RF invasion.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha met with a delegation of representatives from 23 OSCE countries. He emphasized the need to release the Ukrainian SMM OSCE staff members whom Russia has been holding since 2022.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the Kremlin may consider the Baltic countries and Poland as the next target for escalation. Experts consider Estonia the most vulnerable due to military resources and geography.
Due to failures in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin may resort to new escalation. According to the minister, the Baltic region and Poland are the nearest targets.
Polish fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea for three days. European leaders warn that Russia is preparing for broader aggression.