Capital and largest city of Lithuania, UNESCO-listed Old Town
Bloomberg reports several airline moves: American Airlines is adding Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte and Chicago routes to European cities and Japan, while JFK-Tel Aviv and Newark-Luxembourg/Marseille services are expanding. These updates reflect broader network growth from major carriers.
As Russia's campaign against Ukraine escalates, Ukrainian authorities report multi-city strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Kyiv and other regions face ongoing air raids, with civilian casualties and disruptions to daily life. Ukraine says jet-powered drones are now part of Russia's upgraded arsenal, forcing a rapid evolution of interceptors and defenses.
Overnight attacks across Ukraine involve hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting infrastructure and border areas with Poland. Several deaths are reported, and cross-border warnings have prompted international concern.
NATO fighter jets have shot down a jet-powered drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus and fell near Pratkunai, central Lithuania. Authorities have said the device likely carried explosives; Lithuania has begun analysing the wreckage. Allied officials are saying the incident fits a pattern of cross-border drone activity tied to RussiaUkraine fighting, and diplomatic rebuttals are continuing.
Lithuania reports the first drone downing in its airspace near Pratkūnai, with authorities saying an explosives device was detected and neutralized. NATO members are weighing the broader implications as Baltic security tensions rise.
Belarusian authorities have released 25 political prisoners as part of a U.S.-brokered interim deal, with sanctions relief on two state companies linked to the move. Washington says more releases and relief will follow as talks continue, while opposition figures warn that repression persists.
The European Union faces pressure as Germany signals a tougher stance on China with possible new trade tools. Berlin tours Brussels for alignments while signs point to Beijing adapting to Europe’s de-risking stance. EU officials plan coordinated trips to Beijing to press for currency adjustments and trade protections amid a growing Sino-European rift.