All articles tagged with #lithuania
Originally Published 25 days ago — by politico.eu
In Lithuania, a unique situation is emerging where a cat could potentially influence the future of the country's public broadcaster, highlighting a quirky aspect of democratic engagement and media influence.
Originally Published 29 days ago — by BBC
Giant balloons carrying contraband from Belarus into Lithuania are being used in what Lithuania suspects is a hybrid attack to destabilize and exert political pressure, leading to border security measures, airport closures, and increased military patrols, amid broader tensions involving Russia and Western sanctions.
Originally Published 1 month ago — by NPR
Tensions between Lithuania and Belarus have escalated as Belarusian weather balloons, used for cigarette smuggling, have repeatedly forced the closure of Lithuania's main airport, with Lithuania accusing Belarus of a hybrid attack aimed at disrupting its economy and security. Lithuania has responded with security measures and offers to develop technology to counter such disruptions.
Originally Published 1 month ago — by AP News
Tensions between Lithuania and Belarus have escalated as Belarusian weather balloons, used for cigarette smuggling, have repeatedly disrupted Vilnius airport, leading Lithuania to consider border closures and develop advanced airspace security measures amid accusations of hybrid attacks.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Business Insider
Germany is deploying its most advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks with a new brigade to Lithuania, marking its first major permanent military deployment abroad since WWII, as a deterrent against Russia and in response to lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing modern armor and combined maneuver warfare capabilities.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The War Zone
Lithuania has authorized shooting down balloons crossing from Belarus, considering it a hybrid attack and has temporarily closed its border, amid increased tensions and airspace incursions linked to hybrid warfare tactics by Russia and Belarus.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by CNN
Lithuania closed its border with Belarus after dozens of helium balloons entered its airspace, which Lithuania attributes to hybrid threats and smuggling activities, prompting a strong response and international solidarity amid heightened tensions involving NATO and Russian activities in the region.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by BBC
Lithuania has warned it will shoot down balloons used for cigarette smuggling from Belarus, closing border crossings and airports affected by these incursions, as part of its response to hybrid attacks and airspace violations, with plans to consult NATO.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by CBS News
Lithuania accuses Belarus and Russia of escalating hybrid warfare through balloon incursions that have repeatedly shut down Vilnius Airport, prompting Lithuania to consider shooting down further balloons, close its border with Belarus, and potentially invoke NATO's collective defense clause amid broader regional tensions.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by politico.eu
Lithuania has permanently closed its border with Belarus and shut down its airspace multiple times due to balloons used by smugglers to transport contraband, disrupting over 170 flights and affecting 30,000 passengers. The balloons, suspected to be part of hybrid smuggling operations, have prompted Lithuania to consider harsher penalties and seek additional EU sanctions against Belarus, with discussions of invoking NATO's Article 4 to address security concerns amid broader European airspace security issues.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Balloons suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus have caused repeated disruptions at Lithuania's main airport, leading to flight cancellations, diversions, and border closures, prompting Lithuania to consider stricter penalties and longer border shutdowns.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Euronews.com
Two Russian military aircraft briefly entered Lithuania's airspace, prompting NATO response and condemnation from Lithuanian leaders amid heightened tensions and recent airspace violations involving Russia across Europe.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by DW
Two Russian military aircraft briefly entered Lithuanian airspace, prompting NATO response and raising concerns over increased Russian provocations near Baltic states, which are wary of potential escalation amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Reuters
Two Russian military aircraft briefly entered Lithuania's airspace for about 18 seconds, prompting NATO response including fighter jets, amid ongoing tensions and previous incursions in the region by Russian forces. Lithuania condemns Russia's actions, viewing them as provocative, while NATO continues to patrol and respond to such violations to ensure regional security.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Meduza
In July 2024, a series of parcel bombings across Europe, linked to a Moscow-led operation involving homemade bombs disguised as sex toys and neck massagers, were thwarted after multiple fires at freight warehouses. The operation was orchestrated from Russia, with key figures including former Soviet military personnel and alleged GRU agents, and involved failed attempts to detonate bombs in Lithuania, Poland, and the UK. Several suspects have been arrested, and the investigation highlights ongoing Russian covert activities in Europe.