Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, during a Kyiv press conference, emphasized the persistent and significant military threat Russia poses to NATO, citing its long-term military buildup near alliance borders and stated goal of dominating Europe. He outlined three potential scenarios with Russia—war, threat, or occupation—arguing that robust deterrence, including continued support for Ukraine and its NATO membership, is crucial to preventing the latter two. Budrys stressed that Russia’s intentions are hostile and unchanging, aiming for territorial expansion and subjugation of neighbors. He highlighted the need to understand this reality to effectively counter the Russian threat.
Read More
Germany activated its first permanent foreign military deployment since World War II, a 5,000-strong armored brigade stationed in Lithuania. This deployment, the 45th Armored Brigade, marks a significant shift in German defense policy, solidifying NATO’s eastern flank against potential Russian aggression. The brigade, under Brigadier General Christoph Huber’s command, is tasked with protecting Lithuania and, by extension, NATO territory. This action directly responds to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Read More
Three of four U.S. soldiers missing after their armored vehicle submerged in a Lithuanian swamp have been recovered. The soldiers, from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were on a training mission when the incident occurred. Recovery efforts, involving personnel from multiple nations and employing specialized equipment, were hampered by the challenging terrain and the vehicle’s weight and depth of submersion. The search continues for the fourth soldier.
Read More
Four U.S. Army soldiers remain missing after their 70-ton M88 Hercules recovery vehicle submerged in a Lithuanian bog during a training mission. Despite challenging conditions, including saturated ground and slow drainage, rescue efforts continue with heavy equipment and expert assistance from Lithuania, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Poland. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed hope for a miracle, while U.S. Army officials emphasized their commitment to recovering the soldiers. The recovery operation is expected to be lengthy and complex.
Read More
President Trump’s claim of ignorance regarding four missing U.S. soldiers in Lithuania, despite ongoing search efforts, sparked widespread outrage. This follows a similar incident involving his apparent unawareness of the “Signalgate” security breach. Critics highlighted this as further evidence of his detachment from critical national security issues and the administration’s functioning. The soldiers went missing during a training exercise, and NATO initially mistakenly reported their deaths. The White House has been contacted for comment.
Read More
Four U.S. Army soldiers went missing during a Lithuanian training exercise after their armored vehicle submerged in a body of water. The vehicle was discovered deeply embedded in mud, requiring extensive draining and excavation efforts. While initial reports incorrectly stated the soldiers’ deaths, the search continues with “positive signs” offering hope. The incident occurred amidst heightened regional tensions near the Belarusian border.
Read More
Four U.S. soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing during a training exercise in Lithuania’s Pabradė training area on March 25th. A search and rescue operation, involving Lithuanian and U.S. forces, is underway, focusing on a located incident site. Unconfirmed reports suggest the soldiers may be deceased, with their tracked vehicle found in a swamp. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė is visiting the site to support the ongoing efforts.
Read More
Lithuanian President Nausėda condemned President Trump’s statements regarding Greenland’s acquisition, deeming them unacceptable violations of 21st-century principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Trump’s repeated assertions of wanting US control, including potential military intervention, have drawn sharp rebukes. While Denmark expressed openness to discussions, it affirmed Greenland’s self-determination. Conversely, former Lithuanian President Grybauskaitė urged a calm response, prioritizing actual actions over rhetoric.
Read More
The Baltics are on the cusp of a momentous occasion: severing their last remaining energy ties with Russia. A digital clock in Vilnius, Lithuania, dramatically counts down the days until February 8th, the date scheduled for the complete disconnection from the Russian and Belarusian electricity grid. This isn’t just about flipping a switch; it represents the culmination of years of strategic planning and substantial investment.
This momentous disconnection signifies a significant step towards complete energy independence for Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. For years, these nations shared a high-voltage power line infrastructure with their eastern neighbors, a legacy of the Soviet era.… Continue reading
A DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius airport, resulting in one fatality and three injuries among the Spanish crew. Investigations are underway in Lithuania and Germany to determine if the crash was accidental or a deliberate act, with officials considering possibilities ranging from technical malfunction to sabotage, mirroring recent incidents involving incendiary devices in DHL facilities. While Lithuanian authorities have not yet linked the crash to prior investigations into incendiary devices, German officials have raised the possibility of a hybrid incident. The investigation is ongoing, and several agencies are working together to determine the cause.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood