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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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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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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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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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On December 9, 2025, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to repeated incursions of weather balloons and drones from Belarus, which have disrupted Vilnius airport operations and civil aviation. Lithuania accuses Belarus of orchestrating a hybrid attack involving smuggling contraband cigarettes and destabilizing national security. The emergency grants military powers to coordinate with law enforcement to counter these threats.
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Remigijus Žemaitaitis, a Lithuanian lawmaker and leader of the Nemunas Dawn party, was fined €5,000 for social media posts that falsely blamed Jews for historical crimes and minimized the Holocaust. He plans to appeal, amid ongoing debates over hate speech and political accountability in Lithuania. The case highlights rising antisemitism in the region.
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Belarus has released hundreds of political prisoners, including prominent opposition leaders and human rights advocates, amid efforts to improve relations with the West. The releases follow negotiations with U.S. officials and the lifting of some sanctions, marking a significant shift in Belarus's political landscape.
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Belarus freed 123 political prisoners following talks with US envoy John Coale in Minsk, leading to the lifting of sanctions on potash. Key figures like opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and activist Ales Bialiatski were among those released, signaling a thaw in US-Belarus relations.