25 May 2026

Archived edition

Lithuania

Summary

Lithuania’s army ended its search today for a drone that entered the country after an airspace breach, but officials still do not know whether it crashed on Lithuanian territory or flew back out. Earlier operations focused on the Varėna district, where troops questioned residents and searched wooded areas, while authorities told people to leave any debris untouched and call 112.

After yesterday’s air alert in Vilnius and several other regions, the presidency is taking the drone-warning issue to the State Defence Council, while ministries are accelerating a platform meant to link radars, camera networks and other sensors. The Telegraph reported today that Russia may be hijacking Ukrainian drones through a signal source in Kaliningrad and directing them toward Lithuania or other Baltic states. Border guards also said they forced down a drone that entered from Belarus in the Šalčininkai district, and the aircraft and its equipment are now being examined to determine whether it was part of a smuggling run or had another purpose. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due in Lithuania in the coming days for talks on security along the EU’s eastern border and measures against drone threats.

Registru centras remains at the centre of the domestic agenda after prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into suspected illegal access to state registers, with more than 600,000 records potentially taken. Chief executive Adrijus Jusas is due to discuss his future today with Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Griksas, and parliament deputy speaker Juozas Olekas said the director stepping down would be the right move. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys discussed the presence of US troops in Lithuania with members of the US Congress in Vilnius, while other notable domestic items still in view today include new pension accumulation plans, higher benefits from June and Vilnius rolling out a used cooking oil collection system.

Registrų centras chief Adrijus Jusas resigned, and residents were given access to a self-service tool to check whether their personal data was exposed in the cyber incident. Meanwhile, banker Vladimir Antonov was brought to Lithuania. In Šiauliai, a couple was detained over suspected arson and a man died from his injuries.

sources: vz.lt, 15min.lt, lrytas.lt, tv3.lt, delfi.lt, lrt.lt

Army: mission to locate a drone that entered Lithuania ended

Lithuania's army ended its search on May 25 for a drone that entered the country after an airspace breach reported on May 21-22. Earlier operations focused on the Varėna district, where troops questioned residents and combed wooded areas for wreckage or a landing point. Officials said they still do not know whether the object crashed in Lithuania or flew back out of the country, and they told residents to avoid any debris and call 112.

Why it matters

Residents in Varėna and nearby districts remain on alert, because any wreckage could contain explosive material or hazardous components. For the security services, the unresolved flight path means more work on border and airspace surveillance, with no confirmed landing point yet.

sources:delfi.lt

Politics

The Telegraph: Russians could direct Ukrainian drones into Lithuania via Kaliningrad

On May 25, The Telegraph said Russia may be hijacking Ukrainian drones through a signal source in Kaliningrad and sending them toward Lithuania and other Baltic states. The report says the same transmitter has long jammed satellite navigation across the region, forcing some drones to rely on cameras and terrain mapping. That raises the risk of a misdirected drone crossing into NATO airspace, even if it was originally launched against targets in Russia.

Why it matters

For people near the border, the risk is not abstract: a misrouted drone can reach populated areas and trigger air-raid warnings. For NATO states, the report points to a need for better detection of low-flying objects and stronger protection against navigation jamming on the alliance’s eastern flank.

sources:15min.lt

Politics

Border guards down a drone that arrived from Belarus in Šalčininkai district

Border guards in Šalčininkai district forced down a drone that came in from Belarus on Monday, the State Border Guard Service said. The force said the airspace incident comes amid a steady run of similar crossings, with drones increasingly used to move cigarettes across the frontier. The drone and equipment are now being examined to establish whether it was a smuggling run or had another purpose.

Why it matters

For residents in Šalčininkai district and nearby border communities, it means another breach of low-altitude airspace over one of Lithuania’s most closely watched frontier stretches. Each incident keeps border units on alert and tightens the squeeze on cross-border smuggling routes.

sources:lrt.lt

Politics

European Commission President to visit Lithuania after drone incident

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Lithuania on May 27, 2026, days after several drones violated Lithuanian airspace. LRT said the incidents took place last week and that the trip is tied to the security situation on the EU’s eastern flank. The visit is expected to focus on border security and EU measures against drone threats, which Brussels has already linked to Russia and Belarus.

Why it matters

Lithuania’s border and airspace security now depends in part on whether Brussels moves quickly on funding for drone detection and interception. Civil aviation is also exposed, because each new incursion can trigger flight restrictions and extra checks at airports.

sources:lrt.lt delfi.lt

Politics

This week: US–Iran deal, drones policy, NATO in Vilnius, taxes, V. Antonovas’ repatriation, Silver Crane award

Vilnius and several other regions were placed under an air alert on May 20 after a drone was spotted near the border with Belarus, prompting NATO air policing to be activated. The presidency said the drone-warning issue will go before the State Defence Council, while ministries are testing a system meant to link radars, camera networks and other sensors faster. The alert was lifted at 11:40, but the episode has sharpened the focus on how quickly residents can be warned before summer.

Why it matters

Residents in Vilnius, Ignalina, Utena, Zarasai, Švenčionys and Alytus now face more frequent alerts and need to know where the nearest shelters are. For municipalities, it creates a concrete obligation to keep shelters open around the clock as drone incidents keep recurring near the border.

sources:vz.lt

Politics

Situation about leaked data: Registrų centre chief to discuss with the economy minister

A criminal investigation was opened on May 24 over suspected illegal access to state-run registers, and investigators say more than 600,000 records may have been taken from the Registrų centras database. Officials said the intrusion came from a foreign state and through systems run by other institutions, with the interior, justice and economy ministries involved in the response. Chief executive Adrijus Jusas is due to discuss his future with Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas after Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and the minister publicly urged him to step down.

Why it matters

The leak affects people and companies whose information sat in state registers, and they may now need to check whether their records were misused. The probe and political pressure could also force a change at the top of Registrų centras and lead to tighter controls across the state registry system.

sources:15min.lt

Europe

Summary

Kyiv suffered one of the war’s biggest air assaults over the past day, with Russia firing 600 strike drones and 90 missiles, including a hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Ukrainian officials said 86 people were injured in the capital, including three children, and more than 40 sites were damaged across every district of the city. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 245 drones, but several fires broke out in Kyiv, a shopping centre was damaged, and rescue crews were still working through the rubble today. Russia also warned foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv.

In Kramatorsk, two Russian glide bombs killed a 46-year-old man and wounded a 16-year-old girl yesterday. In Pavlohrad, a separate Russian strike injured five people, including a child. Russia also hit the Chernobyl museum and several cultural and scientific institutions in Ukraine.

Azov said today it had carried out precise strikes on Russian forces on roads near Mariupol and Berdiansk, hitting moving military vehicles. Ukrainian military observers say drones operating from the Mariupol area can reach the M-14 highway, a key land route linking Mariupol, Berdiansk, Melitopol and Henichesk toward occupied Crimea. Several NATO countries blocked a plan to increase military aid to Ukraine, even as the Baltic states host NATO exercises.

In Europe’s car market, Chinese automakers reached a record foothold, driven by sales of hybrid models. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected Ebola cases rose to 900, with 204 deaths recorded and infections having crossed into Uganda.

Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing Russia to use military force abroad under the pretext of protecting its citizens. Ukraine struck an oil storage site in western Russia, and earlier attacks have halted the Syzran oil refinery in the Samara region.

sources: tv3.lt, delfi.lt, 15min.lt, lrt.lt

Unrestrained Russian brutality: carried out horrific attack on Kyiv – 86 dead

Russia struck Kyiv overnight on May 24 with missiles and drones, killing at least four people and wounding 80, Ukrainian officials said. A shopping centre was damaged and several fires broke out across the capital as rescuers worked through the morning. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger air defences and more pressure on Moscow after the assault.

Why it matters

For Kyiv residents, the strike raises the risk to homes, shops and transport hubs that people use every day. Attacks of this scale also eat into Ukraine’s air-defence stockpiles, making each night raid harder and more expensive to stop.

sources:tv3.lt

Politics

Number of injured in Russia strike on Kyiv rises to 86

Russia’s overnight strike on Kyiv on May 24 left 86 people injured, including three children, and damaged more than 40 locations across all districts of the capital. Ukraine’s air force said Moscow fired 600 strike drones and 90 air, sea and ground-launched missiles, including a hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Rescue teams are still working through the rubble, so the toll and damage assessment may yet rise.

Why it matters

Kyiv hospitals and emergency services are handling dozens of casualties at once, putting pressure on trauma care and intensive units. Damage to homes and businesses also means fresh outages, repairs and disruption for thousands of residents across the city.

sources:delfi.lt

Politics

Ukraine shot down nearly 250 drones during nighttime attack

Ukraine said its air defences shot down 245 drones during a Russian overnight attack on May 24, with Kyiv and central regions among the main targets. The assault came alongside missile strikes, Ukrainian officials said, as Moscow kept up its aerial campaign after a separate mass barrage the previous day. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cast the strikes as part of Russia’s push to hit civilian infrastructure and stretch Ukraine’s air defences.

Why it matters

For civilians in Kyiv and other cities, the raids mean overnight alerts, disrupted sleep and a persistent threat to power, communications and transport hubs. Each attack also forces Ukraine to spend expensive air-defence missiles on cheap Russian drones, widening the pressure on its arsenal.

sources:delfi.lt

Politics

Azov demonstrated precise strikes on Russians – attacked on highways

On May 25, Azov said it had carried out precise strikes on Russian forces on roads near Mariupol and Berdiansk, hitting moving military vehicles. Ukrainian military observers say drones operating from the Mariupol area can reach the M-14 highway, a key route linking Mariupol, Berdiansk, Melitopol and Henichesk. The road is one of Russia’s main land corridors along the Sea of Azov, so attacks there complicate the movement of troops and equipment toward occupied Crimea.

Why it matters

Russian logistics in occupied territory become more dependent on shorter, more vulnerable routes. Every strike on the M-14 corridor raises the risk of delays for supplies heading to the southern front and occupied Crimea.

sources:tv3.lt

Politics

Russians drop hovering bombs on Kramatorsk

Russian forces dropped two glide bombs on Kramatorsk on May 24, killing a 46-year-old man and wounding a 16-year-old girl. The city in Donetsk region remains a key logistics hub and evacuation point, which is why it keeps coming under Russian attack. Ukrainian officials are still assessing damage to nearby infrastructure and whether there were any additional victims as rescuers continue their sweep.

Why it matters

For Kramatorsk residents and civilians arriving from the front line, it raises the risk of moving around the city or using basic public services. It also strains local emergency systems, with hospitals, rescue crews and evacuation teams operating under fire.

sources:delfi.lt

Health

WHO chief: Ebola cases suspected in DR Congo exceed 900

Congo’s health ministry said on Sunday that suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo had reached 900, with 204 deaths recorded in the outbreak, mostly in eastern Ituri province. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there were also 101 laboratory-confirmed cases and warned that treatment centres are operating amid conflict and local hostility. The agency has urged neighbouring countries to tighten screening and contact tracing after infections crossed into Uganda.

Why it matters

Hospitals and burial teams in eastern Congo are working in the highest-risk zone, where every missed contact can extend the outbreak across borders. Local infections in Uganda show the chain of transmission is no longer confined to Congo.

sources:lrt.lt

World

Summary

Kyiv was hit overnight in one of the heaviest recent assaults, with Russia firing about 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. Ukrainian officials said four people were killed, 87 were wounded and damage was recorded at 49 sites across the capital. The strikes hit Ukraine’s foreign ministry, a theatre, the philharmonic hall, museums, a library, a university and dozens of homes. Moscow also urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected Ebola cases on Sunday rose above 900, and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is centred in Ituri province. The WHO has already declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and neighbouring Uganda has confirmed five infections in recent days. The flare-up is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, while insecurity, population movement and weak health infrastructure are hampering the response. Congolese authorities and international partners are focusing on contact tracing, patient isolation and tighter infection controls.

Washington said on Sunday that talks with Iran had made progress, but the final text is not ready and no agreement will be signed imminently. Oil fell more than 5% on Monday morning as traders priced in the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz reopening and a slower path to ending the Middle East war. Donald Trump played down hopes of a quick announcement, leaving markets exposed to fresh swings.

In U.S.-China relations, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that Taiwan is the most important issue between the two powers. Beijing later warned that the Taiwan dispute could lead to clashes or conflict, and Xi and Vladimir Putin signed more than 40 cooperation deals in Beijing. At the Ice Hockey World Championship, Canada and Finland posted convincing wins to strengthen their positions at the top of the standings.

Uganda confirmed two more Ebola cases. The World Health Organization urged Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries to act immediately to contain the spread. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would intensify attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

sources: 15min.lt, lrytas.lt, tv3.lt, vz.lt, delfi.lt, lrt.lt

Russia heavily shelled Ukraine with rockets and drones on Sunday

Russia fired about 600 drones and 90 missiles at Kyiv overnight from May 24 to 25, including a medium-range ballistic missile called Oreshnik, Ukrainian authorities said. Four people were killed and 87 wounded, while damage was reported at 49 sites across the capital. Kyiv’s foreign ministry, theatre, philharmonic hall, museums, library, university and dozens of homes were hit, and Moscow urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the city.

Why it matters

Kyiv’s civilians and public infrastructure were hit again, with damage to state offices, cultural institutions and nearby apartment blocks. Moscow’s warning about further strikes raises the risk for diplomats and foreign staff still operating in the capital.

sources:lrt.lt

Politics

War in Iran. Iran’s strike on hopes for peace: an agreement will not be signed soon

U.S. officials said on Sunday that talks with Iran had made progress, but the final text is not ready and no agreement will be signed imminently. Oil fell more than 5% on Monday morning as traders priced in the chance of the Strait of Hormuz reopening and a slower path to ending the Middle East war. Donald Trump played down hopes of a quick announcement, leaving the talks open-ended and the market still exposed to fresh swings.

Why it matters

Energy traders are watching the Strait of Hormuz first, because a reopening would ease one of the world’s key shipping choke points. If the talks stall, fuel prices and maritime insurance costs could stay elevated across the region.

sources:lrytas.lt

Politics

Sources: Xi Jinping seriously angered during meeting with Trump

Xi Jinping told Donald Trump on May 14 that Taiwan is the most important issue in U.S.-China ties, and Beijing later warned the dispute could lead to clashes or conflict. The summit came as the two sides were already tangled over Iran, trade and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Five days later, Xi and Vladimir Putin used a Beijing meeting to sign more than 40 cooperation deals, sharpening the picture of China’s strategic alignment.

Why it matters

Taiwan’s security and U.S.-China ties shape arms sales, trade flows and risk pricing across Asian markets. A harder line from Beijing raises pressure on Washington, which must balance strategic ambiguity with its obligation to help Taiwan defend itself.

sources:delfi.lt

Health

Is it getting serious? Epidemic declared a global public health crisis

WHO on May 17 declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The flare-up is linked to the Bundibugyo strain in eastern Congo's Ituri province, while Uganda had five confirmed positives by May 23. Congo is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976, and authorities have activated response systems with international partners.

Why it matters

For people in eastern Congo and Uganda, the alert means tighter border checks, faster isolation and more strain on already stretched hospitals. Health workers remain the most exposed group because Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, so the designation unlocks more protection, logistics and outside support.

sources:lrytas.lt

Health

WHO chief: suspected Ebola cases in DRC exceed 900

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday said suspected Ebola cases had climbed past 900, as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the outbreak was spreading fast in the country’s east. The flare-up is centered in Ituri province and has been complicated by insecurity, population movement and weak health infrastructure, while confirmed infections have also been reported across the border in Uganda. WHO has already declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and responders are now focused on tracing contacts, isolating patients and tightening infection controls.

Why it matters

Communities in eastern Congo are bearing the immediate burden, with hospitals operating under insecurity and every new case adding to the load on isolation wards, tracing teams and safe-burial crews. Uganda is also under pressure from cross-border surveillance and patient transfers, turning the outbreak into a regional response rather than a single-country effort.

sources:15min.lt

Politics

Palmira: we will be heavily dependent on past mistakes

Palmira Galkontaitė spoke in Vilnius on May 25 about decisions that shaped her work and public voice. She pointed back to the 1999 launch of the TV show Atleisk, saying public apology and admitting fault were unusual in Lithuania at the time. Her point was that people now live more with the consequences of earlier choices than with the present moment itself.

Why it matters

Public apology and admitting fault affect how families, workplaces and reputations are repaired. When that language becomes normal, disputes that once got buried in silence are easier to resolve.

sources:lrytas.lt