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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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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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DNA analysis of soldiers' remains from Napoleon's 1812 retreat in Vilnius uncovered pathogens causing paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever. These infections, alongside cold and starvation, contributed to high mortality. The findings, published in Current Biology, deepen understanding of the health conditions faced by the troops.
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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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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.