Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia have announced their withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention due to threats from Russia and Belarus. This should provide more opportunities to defend NATO's eastern flank.
Ukraine and seven other countries have filed a complaint with the UN over satellite communication disruptions suspected to be caused by Russia. The disruptions are affecting television, aviation, and shipping.
The Lithuanian Prosecutor's Office stated that the Russian special services are behind the arson in Vilnius and Warsaw. Minor Ukrainian citizens, who were recruited for money, are involved in the crimes.
Eurostat reported a record life expectancy in the EU – 81. 4 years. The longest life expectancy is in Spain (Madrid), Italy (Trento) and the Åland Islands, and the shortest is in Bulgaria.
Law enforcement officers of Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia exposed 14 members of a criminal organization. Fraudsters extorted money from EU citizens, posing as bankers and law enforcement officers.
German concern Rheinmetall has announced its readiness to provide weapons for an international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The company can offer more than 2,000 items of weapons, including tanks and armored vehicles.
Ukraine can import up to 4 billion cubic meters of gas from the United States through terminals in Germany, Greece, Lithuania and Poland. This will strengthen the partnership with Washington and deter Russian attacks.
As of January 2025, 4. 3 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries. The most refugees were accepted by Germany (27.3%), Poland (23.2%), and the Czech Republic (9.2%).
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius commented on the US demand for NATO countries to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. He reminded that the US itself spends only 3.5%, while some European countries have already reached 5%.
Gitanas Nauseda calls for not wasting time and strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and support for Ukraine. The President of Lithuania proposes to set the date for Ukraine's accession to the EU as 2030.
Lithuania officially terminates its participation in the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which it signed in 2011. The country aims to strengthen its defense capabilities due to the threat from the Russian Federation, which is not a party to the treaty.
Gitanas Nauseda expects an improvement in the Trump administration's position on Ukraine in the near future. This is confirmed by the intensive contacts between the countries and the readiness of the USA to reconsider the issue of aid.
At the meeting of the Staff, they analyzed the packages of military assistance and funding for 2025. They discussed issues of state resilience and ways to achieve peace through diplomacy.
The President of Ukraine had a conversation with the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia about the results of the summit in London. The parties agreed to work on an action plan to ensure real security guarantees.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said that it was impossible to resume the work of Nord Stream-2. According to him, the pipeline is technically difficult to restore, and politically the project has already been exhausted.
Lithuania will allocate 20 million euros to support the Ukrainian defense industry. The countries will establish a joint strategic weapons production facility in Lithuania.
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have protested their exclusion from the Ukraine Support Summit in the United Kingdom. The Baltic countries, which are among Ukraine's largest donors, consider this decision unacceptable.
In Siauliai, law enforcement officers prevented an attempted sabotage of a cargo of military aid for Ukraine. Three suspects were detained, including two Spanish citizens, and the rest are on the international wanted list.
Lithuanian Revolut Bank UAB started operating in Ukraine without obtaining the necessary permits from the NBU. The regulator emphasizes that the company must obtain a banking license, and Ukrainian consumer protection legislation does not apply to its customers.
The President of Ukraine announced new aid packages from Britain, Norway, Spain and other countries worth billions of dollars. The Baltic and Nordic countries will provide equipment and training for brigade-sized units.
Estonia increased military aid to Ukraine by 25% and pledged to allocate 0. 25% of GDP annually. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that only Ukraine should determine the terms of the peace process.
Lithuania will provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems. President Nausėda called on the allies to jointly produce weapons and expand training programs for the Ukrainian military.
Gitanas Nausėda called for the opening of the first cluster of negotiations in the coming weeks.
The presidents of Lithuania and Latvia, the prime ministers of Estonia, Spain, and Canada, as well as EU leaders arrived in Kyiv on February 24. They were met at the train station by Andriy Yermak and Andriy Sybiga.
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar announces the preparation of the 46th military aid package from Poland, which may arrive by March. Poland and the EU demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, despite Trump's statements.
Kęstutis Budris said that Trump's rhetoric on Ukraine is not a Russian narrative, but contains false claims. The minister denied the claim of greater support from the United States, noting that Europe has provided 30% more aid.
Gitanas Nausėda stated that there were no signs of a withdrawal of US troops from the Baltic States. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transatlantic cooperation and strengthening NATO.
France organizes a second meeting on Ukraine and European security with the participation of new countries. Norway, Canada, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Romania, Sweden and Belgium are invited to the meeting.
Francois Bayrou compared the current situation in Europe to the 1930s and warned of the possibility of an expanding war. He also expressed concern about the “incomprehensible coalition” between Putin and Trump.
Lithuania will invest 4 billion euros in the development of military infrastructure over the next 4 years. More than 200 projects are being implemented, including the construction of a military camp in Rudninkai.