As a measure to bolster its defenses against potential threats, Lithuania is implementing a program to teach its citizens, including over 22,000 schoolchildren, drone operation and construction skills. This initiative, a joint effort by the defense and education ministries, will involve various age groups, with younger students building and piloting simple drones, and older students designing and manufacturing drone components. The government plans to invest €3.3m in specialized equipment, including indoor and outdoor drones and training systems, while the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and the non-formal education agency will conduct the training. This initiative is part of Lithuania’s broader efforts to enhance its civil resistance capabilities, particularly in light of its border with Russia and Belarus and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Despite criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Lithuania was deemed necessary by the Lithuanian president’s chief advisor. The meeting between Herzog and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda focused on defense cooperation and economic ties. While acknowledging the ongoing conflict and the right of Israel to defend itself, Lithuania emphasized the importance of respecting international law and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Furthermore, Lithuania views Israel as a key economic and military partner, highlighting its investments in research and innovation as beneficial.
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The Radarom! campaign, a collaborative effort by the Lithuanian people and companies, has successfully procured over 2,000 drones for Ukraine’s defense forces. The campaign raised over €4.4 million, with the funds allocated towards purchasing both Lithuanian and Ukrainian-made drones and equipment. Over €2.6 million was spent on Lithuanian drone production, while €1.7 million was allocated for Ukrainian manufacturers’ equipment. The initiative, organized by LRT in partnership with other organizations, highlights Lithuania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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For the first time since World War II, Germany deployed a permanent military brigade to Lithuania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank amid Russian aggression. This significant move, comprising 4,800 soldiers and substantial equipment, underscores the growing concern over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its potential for further expansion. The deployment reflects a shift in European security, with increased military spending by several nations, including Lithuania and Poland, and a push for greater European independence from the U.S. Chancellor Merz emphasized the shared security interests of Germany and its Baltic allies, highlighting Russia’s “aggressive revisionism.” The brigade, headquartered near Vilnius, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated Germany’s first permanently stationed brigade outside of the country since WWII, located in Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and deter Russian aggression. This deployment signifies a significant deepening of Germany’s commitment to its Baltic allies, with the 4,500-strong brigade reaching full strength by 2027. The move underscores Germany’s increased military investment, aimed at strengthening its own forces while encouraging allies to similarly prioritize security. This initiative comes amid rising concerns about Russian aggression and increased defense spending targets across NATO nations.
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An international investigation, involving 30 news outlets, uncovered that Russia’s Kremlin-backed Pravfond foundation secretly funneled millions of dollars to pro-Russian activists and lawyers in Western countries, including Lithuania, between 2012 and 2024. This funding supported the legal defense of individuals linked to the Kremlin, notably those involved in the January 13, 1991 events in Lithuania. Several Lithuanian lawyers, including Ryšardas Burda, received payments from Pravfond, often transferring funds through sanctioned Russian banks even after sanctions were imposed. This activity, revealed through a cache of Pravfond emails, may constitute sanctions violations.
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Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade “Lithuania” commenced operations in Vilnius, marking the first long-term German troop deployment abroad since World War II. This deployment, seen as crucial for NATO’s defense against potential Russian aggression, will ultimately comprise 5,000 German soldiers and civilians by 2027. The move reflects a significant shift in German defense policy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a commitment to bolstering European security. Lithuania, a staunch NATO ally bordering Russia, is providing necessary infrastructure and support for the brigade.
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A somber ceremony in Vilnius honored four U.S. soldiers killed when their armored vehicle sank in a peat bog during a training exercise near Pabrade. President Nauseda expressed pride in Lithuania’s rescue efforts. The soldiers’ bodies were transported to the airport for repatriation after a public procession. The recovery operation spanned several days, involving extensive digging to retrieve the sunken M88 Hercules. U.S. units have been rotating through the Pabrade training ground since 2019.
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The news of the fourth missing American soldier in Lithuania being found dead today is deeply unsettling. It’s a tragedy that has understandably resonated strongly within the small Lithuanian population, a stark contrast to the seemingly muted reaction in the United States. The sheer scale of the US, with its vast population, often makes individual tragedies feel like mere statistics lost within a sea of events. This disparity highlights the very different contexts in which such news is received and processed.
The delayed and seemingly dismissive response from former President Trump, coming six days into the rescue operation and riddled with inaccuracies, only fuels the perception of a lack of empathy and concern from certain quarters.… Continue reading
Germany will permanently station troops in Lithuania by 2027, marking its first such deployment since World War II. This deployment, part of a multi-year agreement between Germany and Lithuania, is a direct response to Russia’s aggression and aims to bolster NATO’s eastern flank. Initially, 150 German soldiers will be deployed, growing to 500 by 2025 and eventually reaching 5,000. The move comes amid intelligence assessments suggesting Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood