Poland has officially joined the Ukraine2EU program, providing Ukraine with a financial contribution of 1 million euros and sharing experience in implementing European integration reforms. This support will strengthen the capacity of the Verkhovna Rada and accelerate the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards.
In November, Lithuania experienced 325 hostile information influences, almost double the norm, with 47% of attacks related to military topics. At the same time, physical hybrid threats are being recorded, including the launch of weather balloons from Belarus that violate Lithuanian airspace.
Donald Trump is forcing EU leaders to confront a future in which America is no longer their primary security guarantor. Europe must organize its own defense much faster than anyone could have imagined.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that Ukraine's EU membership is a prerequisite for European security. He emphasized the importance of clear EU signals regarding the integration of Ukraine and Moldova.
The Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency throughout the country due to balloons from Belarus disrupting aviation. This will allow the military to receive special powers for more effective coordination of actions.
Lithuanian law enforcement officers have notified a Russian serviceman of suspicion in a war crimes case in Melitopol. He is accused of torturing civilians and prisoners in a "filtration camp" in 2022.
Seven EU countries have called for the use of frozen Russian assets to finance a reparations loan to Ukraine. This decision will strengthen Ukraine's position and ensure compensation for damages caused by the aggression.
Lithuania revoked residence permits for 145 Russian citizens due to frequent trips to Russia and Belarus, guided by the law "On restrictive measures in connection with military aggression. " Among those deprived of residence permits is former human rights activist Mikhail Benyash, who visited Minsk to meet with his son.
Vilnius Airport has suspended operations due to the launch of weather balloons from Belarus. Restrictions will be in effect from 18:06 to 21:05 local time; passengers are advised to contact their airlines.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
Edinburgh Airport in the capital of Scotland suspended operations due to problems with the air traffic control computer system. This is Scotland's busiest airport, which served approximately 15.7 million passengers in 2024.
The Lithuanian government plans to declare a state of emergency due to the threat to public safety caused by an influx of contraband balloons. This disrupts the operation of Vilnius Airport, which has repeatedly suspended operations.
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.
A large-scale scheme for reselling cars imported from the EU as humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been exposed in the Lviv region. The organizer from Cherkasy region and his accomplices used the details of charitable foundations to avoid customs payments, selling cars for cash or dismantling them for spare parts.
From January 2 to December 31, 2026, Lithuania is introducing compulsory basic military service, planning to conscript about 5,000 citizens. Conscripts will have various service options, including a 9-month compulsory service and shorter programs for specialists and students.
Russian citizen Mykhailo Myrhorodskyi created a criminal group for espionage and sabotage, which planned to derail a train. The prosecutor's office has brought five charges against him, and an international search warrant has been issued.
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.
