Lithuania
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda held talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Lithuania's Statehood Day. Defense cooperation, support for Ukraine, pressure on Russia, and investments in military mobility were discussed.
In the first quarter of 2025, housing prices in the European Union increased by 5. 7%, and rental prices by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Since 2010, housing prices in the EU have risen by 57.9%, and rental prices by 27.8%.
Polish police uncovered an international group that kidnapped migrants in Poland and Latvia, demanding ransom. Among those detained are four Ukrainian citizens who were legally residing in Poland.
Poland will introduce temporary border controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania from July 7. This decision is a response to threats related to illegal migration and was made regardless of the reaction of other countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three decrees, synchronizing EU sanctions against Russia and implementing packages of restrictions against Iran. The sanctions apply to individuals and legal entities from various countries, including the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Iran.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting the National Security and Defense Council's decision on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. This step allows the use, accumulation, and production of anti-personnel mines.
Lithuania officially notified the UN of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines. This decision was made due to the perception of Russia as a long-term existential threat, with the aim of using all means to protect the population and territory of NATO.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, during an EU meeting in Brussels, stated the importance of not shifting focus from Ukraine. Latvia advocates for the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the blocking of its financial assets.
Switzerland and 29 other European countries have called on the International Telecommunication Union to take action against systematic interference originating from the Russian Federation and Crimea. This interference affects European civilian satellite networks and endangers public safety, as well as the safety of air and sea navigation.
The Polish Sejm voted in favor of the country's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, allowing the use of anti-personnel mines. The Minister of Defense stated that the country cannot have restrictions in protecting itself from a Russian invasion.
Restoration work continues at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Okhmatdyt" after the missile attack. The dismantling of internal structures has been carried out on several floors, facade work is being performed in parallel, and funding is provided by the charitable foundation "Okhmatdyt – Healthy Childhood".
The International Commission on Missing Persons has extended the collection of DNA samples from Ukrainians in the Baltic and Northern European countries until July 18, 2025. This applies to relatives of persons missing as a result of Russian aggression.
According to Bloomberg Economics, a full-scale Russian war against Europe could reduce global GDP by $1. 5 trillion. Russia is actively increasing arms production, and the Baltic states are considered a potential target for aggression.
On June 21, 14 political prisoners, including Serhiy Tikhanovsky, were released in Belarus. This happened amid the visit of US President's special representative Keith Kellogg to Minsk.
EU countries have agreed to increase the European Investment Bank's annual lending limit to €100 billion and triple financing for the defense industry. The bank also plans to invest €70 billion in technological innovation and renewable energy sources.
Nearly 4. 3 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries as of the end of January 2025. The largest number of Ukrainians are in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where their numbers are increasing.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in the NATO summit in The Hague and will meet with the Secretary General of the Alliance and European leaders. Zelenskyy's participation will involve changes in diplomatic rank to avoid awkward encounters with Trump.
A brown bear roamed freely through Vilnius for two days, but hunters refused to follow the government's order to kill the animal, considering it non-aggressive.
Due to the ongoing war, young Ukrainian women are increasingly choosing universities abroad, particularly in Poland. They aim to avoid the stress of air raids and see better career opportunities outside of Ukraine.
The NATO summit in The Hague will last only two and a half hours due to Trump's desire to shorten meetings. Zelensky was invited, but with a diplomatic demotion to avoid meetings with Trump.
Ukraine will not receive an invitation to NATO at the summit in The Hague next week. The issue is not on the agenda, no breakthrough decisions are expected.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit of foreign diplomats to the site of the Russian strike on a building in Kyiv. Representatives of more than 60 missions saw the consequences of Russian terror in Ukraine.
Ukraine insists on the adoption of bill No. 5488 to counter intolerance, as well as bill No. 9103 on civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ military personnel.
White House spokeswoman Karolina Levitt called WP's information about plans to send migrants, including Ukrainians, to Guantanamo a fake. According to her, "nothing is happening."
The Trump administration plans to move thousands of illegal immigrants, including citizens of Ukraine and other allied countries, to the military base in Guantanamo Bay to relieve overcrowded centers.
Andriy Sybiha and Kęstutis Budrys familiarized themselves with the situation in the city, visited infrastructure facilities and discussed increasing aid. The Lithuanian Minister became the first to visit Kherson after de-occupation.
Ukraine and Lithuania will develop joint projects in the fields of air defense, long-range systems, armored vehicles and ammunition production. Lithuania has already joined the financing of Ukrainian long-range capabilities.
Andriy Yermak met with Kęstutis Budrys, discussed EU sanctions against the banking and energy sectors of the Russian Federation. Important synchronization of actions with the USA and other countries.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys insists on including the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the new EU sanctions package against Russia. It is also proposed to strengthen restrictions against companies involved in oil exports.
No country, including Russia, has the right to veto Ukraine's accession to NATO, Sybiha said. The security of Ukraine and NATO are indivisible, and solutions are needed to strengthen defense capabilities.