Lithuania
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of new EU sanctions against Belarus. This is a response to hybrid actions against Lithuania, including an increase in the number of incursions by contraband balloons.
Vilnius noted that this is not the first time the Belarusian regime has fabricated stories and leveled accusations against Lithuania.
The EU warns the Donald Trump administration against granting amnesty to Putin or writing off Russia's war crimes, calling it a strategic catastrophe. The EU emphasizes the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes in Ukraine and supports the creation of a tribunal.
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.
Lithuania has informed the Council of Europe of its intention to join the Special Tribunal on the crime of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, becoming the first state after Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania calls on other countries to follow suit, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that concessions to Russia regarding borders threaten the security of Lithuania and Europe. He named three key levers of support for Ukraine: the use of frozen Russian assets, accelerated Ukrainian membership in the EU, and the creation of a Special Tribunal.
European countries are considering joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military exercises in response to Russia's hybrid attacks. This comes amid an unprecedented number of sabotage acts and attempted attacks linked to Moscow.
Russian propaganda is spreading disinformation that European countries are being attacked by "Ukrainian drones," not Russian ones. The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council calls the goal of such actions by the Russian Federation to discredit Ukraine and an attempt to influence public opinion in European countries in order to spoil Kyiv's relations with its allies.
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.
EU countries are working on a "plan B" in case they cannot reach an agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
European leaders, including France and Great Britain, are discussing the creation of multinational military forces to support Ukraine after a peace agreement with Russia. A working group has been established to clarify the details of military assistance, which may include troop deployment and air support.
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.
On November 23-24, Vilnius Airport twice imposed temporary airspace restrictions due to the appearance of navigation markers resembling balloon signals. This caused disruptions to airport operations and potential flight delays.
The Dutch military opened fire on unknown drones over Volkel Air Base. The drones were observed for two hours before flying away, and could not be tracked.
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.
Ukraine has extradited Russian serviceman Margen Gadzhymagomedov to Lithuania for the first time. He is suspected of torturing prisoners, including a Lithuanian volunteer, at the airfield in Melitopol.
European countries have expressed their position on a possible US peace plan for Ukraine and Russia, developed in secret. Most emphasize the need to involve Ukraine and Europe in any peace agreements.
Lithuania is reopening two border crossings with Belarus that were temporarily closed due to smuggler weather balloon flights. The government's decision comes after a reduction in airspace incidents, which previously led to the closure of Vilnius Airport.
The first chartering of a tanker for gas supply to Ukraine by sea from the USA is reported. Approximately 100 million cubic meters of natural gas were delivered to the LNG terminal in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Lithuanian operator Litgrid handed over new equipment to Ukraine for the restoration of substations and power lines. This is already the sixth aid package from the company, which will strengthen the energy system.
At the Dubai Airshow, the Russians presented the Forpost-RE drone, a copy of the Israeli IAI Searcher Mk II, and the Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system. Both developments, according to Moscow, meet the current challenges of modern conflicts.
European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stated that Ukrainian troops could be deployed to defend the EU's eastern borders from Russia after the end of hostilities. He noted that the Ukrainian army has the most experienced military personnel in Europe.
Lithuania will select the best innovative proposals for combating aerial objects within two weeks. The development of technologies, which include detection, monitoring, recognition, and neutralization, is planned to be completed within three to six months.
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.
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 citizen of Ukraine, who fought against Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea and launched drones at Kherson, was detained at the Shehyni – Medyka checkpoint. He tried to flee to the EU under the guise of a refugee, possessing a Russian passport and being on an international wanted list.
The price of A-95 gasoline in Ukraine remains at about 58 hryvnias per liter. Economist Oleh Pendzyn explained that Russian attacks do not pose a threat to the fuel market, as oil depots are decentralized and the price of oil on the world market is stable.
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.