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Belarus faces ongoing political repression, with recent prisoner deaths and arrests highlighting the regime's brutal tactics. President Lukashenko has pardoned some prisoners but continues to detain nearly 1,200 political prisoners amid protests and international criticism. The story underscores Belarus's persistent authoritarianism.
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Belarus freed 52 political prisoners on September 11 following US-brokered negotiations, including opposition figures, journalists, and foreigners. Most crossed into Lithuania, but over 1,200 remain detained. The move signals a tentative thaw in Belarus-US relations amid ongoing repression.
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European authorities have detained multiple suspects linked to Russia, accused of espionage, sabotage, and sending explosive devices across EU countries and the UK. The investigations reveal a coordinated effort involving Russian military intelligence, with plans for attacks and intelligence gathering in the Baltic region and beyond. The story highlights ongoing security threats since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Three individuals were detained in Essex on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence, amid ongoing European investigations into Moscow-linked espionage and sabotage activities. The arrests follow recent uncoverings of plots involving arson, explosives, and intelligence passing across Lithuania, Latvia, and other countries, highlighting heightened tensions and covert operations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Lithuanian authorities recovered over 11 balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes, which disrupted 30 flights and affected 6,000 passengers. The balloons, used increasingly by Belarusian smugglers, are part of a broader pattern of airspace intrusions linked to heightened tensions with Russia and Belarus. Flights resumed early Sunday.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for a joint European air defense system to counter Russian drone threats, citing recent incursions in Poland, Denmark, and Romania. NATO countries are increasing security measures amid ongoing regional tensions and Russian drone activity, with Ukraine claiming its military can neutralize most threats.
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Recent military activity and border incidents highlight escalating tensions between NATO and Russia near the Baltic states. Estonia closed a strategic route after Russian soldiers were observed, while Lithuania and Poland reinforce regional security amid increased Russian assertiveness. The region remains on high alert as NATO monitors Russian movements and provocations.
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As of early November 2025, Lithuania has indefinitely closed its Šalčininkai border crossing with Belarus and restricted passage at Medininkai following repeated incursions of helium balloons carrying contraband cigarettes into its airspace. These incidents disrupted flights at Vilnius and Kaunas airports multiple times last week, prompting national security measures and discussions of NATO consultations.
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On Thursday, Russian Su-30 fighter and IL-78 refuelling aircraft entered Lithuanian airspace for 18 seconds during a possible refuelling exercise, prompting NATO response and Lithuanian protests. Russia denied the incursion, which follows recent airspace violations in the region.
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Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday. The aircraft was flying in international airspace without a flight plan and with its transponder off. Poland confirmed no violation of its airspace occurred, amid rising Russian military activity near NATO borders.
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Lithuania closed two border crossings with Belarus on October 29 after Belarusian weather balloons caused air traffic disruptions. Belarus warns of confiscating stranded Lithuanian trucks, escalating tensions amid broader regional instability linked to Belarus and Russia. The situation reflects ongoing regional security concerns.
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Dmitry Kurashov, 28, was found guilty of killing Ukrainian soldier Vitalii Hodniuk after his surrender in January 2024. The court in Zaporizhzhia sentenced him, marking a rare legal action against a Russian soldier for war crimes. Kurashov expressed no intention to appeal. The case highlights ongoing investigations into wartime executions and international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
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Belarus accuses Lithuania of launching a drone found in Grodno, equipped with cameras and extremist materials. Lithuania denies involvement. The incident follows ongoing drone and balloon disruptions linked to hybrid tensions, with border closures and airspace restrictions affecting regional stability.
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Lithuania's Vilnius airport was suspended for 11 hours after at least 60 balloons were launched from Belarus, directed at runways. Lithuania sees this as a hybrid attack by Belarus, a close Russian ally, amid rising tensions over drone and balloon incursions linked to regional security concerns.
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Remigijus Žemaitaitis, a Lithuanian politician, was found guilty of inciting hatred against Jews, minimizing the Holocaust, and making offensive statements on social media. The court sentenced him to a lesser penalty than prosecutors requested, citing political motives. Žemaitaitis denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal.