Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – Commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) General Rustamas Liubajevas is stepping down, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas announced Monday.

“This afternoon, General Rustamas Liubajevas has told me personally that, having evaluated all the circumstances and not wishing to harm reputation and prestige of VSAT, he decided to resign as VSAT commander,” Katelynas said at a press conference on Monday.

The minister added that he respects the decision, which he called “a responsible step in the current situation”.

As reported, the interior minister earlier stated that he could hardly imagine the VSAT commander continue holding his position after a border incident at the end of July, details of which were not immediately disclosed.

It transpired that on 26 July Lithuanian border guards discovered a tunnel leading from Belarus to Lithuania. When they were detaining several migrants that exited from the tunnel, more people appeared from it and assaulted the officers.

Migrants tried to drag one border guard through the tunnel together with them back to Belarus, but he managed to free himself and escape. The injured officer is on sick leave.

The incident was not immediately reported. It was revealed to the public on social platform Facebook by Vilma Danauskienė, a member of Lazdijai District Municipal Council. In her post, she asked VSAT Commander General Rustamas Liubajevas why just four officers were sent to face off against more than 20 migrants “armed with sticks and stones”.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – Taking into account more frequent violations of transit rules, Conservative MP Arvydas Anušauskas proposes reducing the transit time allowed for Russian citizens travelling through Lithuania to 6 hours.

The MP notes that the proposal does not contradict the European Union law and does not unilaterally change the maximum 24-hour period set out in the 2003 Council Regulation.

According to him, the law establishes exemptions when transit may last longer but must not exceed the maximum 24-hour period including vehicle malfunction, road traffic accidents, queues at the border and extreme weather conditions.

To ensure control, the lawmaker suggests using existing automated vehicle number plate recognition infrastructure that would enable recording the start and end of transit and vehicle deviation from the route.

The MP has referred to Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius urging him to evaluate the actual efficiency of transit control and to prepare a consistent position of Lithuania concerning simplified transit rules for Russian citizens travelling between the Russian Federation and its Kaliningrad Region.

The politician also addressed Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys and Minister of the Interior Martynas Katelynas noting that international efforts would be needed.

Anušauskas stresses that the 2003 transit rules for Russian citizens, allowing 24-hour transit, were made in an entirely different geopolitical context. Whereas now Russia is in war against Ukraine and carries out hybrid operations against the European Union. Therefore, he called on the Government and relevant ministers to initiate the review of the EU regulation in cooperation with Latvia, Estonia, Poland and other countries of the region.

If the proposal is adopted, legislative amendments would take effect on 1 January 2027.

The data of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) show that last year 13,000 cars with Russian number plates travelled through the territory of Lithuania with simplified transit documents. The number of cases of abuse of this scheme has quadrupled from 360 violations in 2024 to 1,493 violations in 2025.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – Last week, on 10–16 August, NATO fighter jets conducting the Baltic Air Policing Mission were scrambled once to patrol the airspace near the border and once to identify and escort aircraft that had violated flight rules, reports the Ministry of National Defence.

According to the ministry, on Friday, 14 August, NATO fighter jets lifted off from Šiauliai Air Base to identify an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Latvian airspace. The UAV was destroyed.

The same day, NATO fighter jets patrolled near Estonia’s border with the Russian Federation.

The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission began in March 2004, when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined NATO.

Since then, the mission was conducted by the Air Forces of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – The Social Democratic Party’s (LSDP) political group in Vilnius City Municipal Council proposes that public transport would be free in the Lithuanian capital from September 2026 until the start of 2027, regardless of ticket types, passenger age or their place of residence.

According to the Social Democrats, the concession is needed in order to ease the burden of rising costs of living for Vilnius residents and city visitors and would also help address congestion problems.

It is hoped that free public transport would encourage some drivers to switch to buses, thereby reducing traffic volumes and air pollution during the months with the heaviest congestion.

According to Povilas Pinelis, chairman of the LSDP political group, the current geopolitical situation, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting sharp rise in fuel prices are affecting every Vilnius resident – both when commuting and when buying everyday goods. He says free public transport during the autumn and winter months would provide direct and tangible financial support for households.

According to the LSDP political group, if the proposal is approved, public transport in Vilnius would be free from 1 September 2026 until 1 January 2027.

In spring, Social Democrats proposed to halve public ticket prices, but the Council rejected the idea.

As reported, the Council increased public transport ticket prices as of July 2025.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – ELTA Brief provides a concise overview of the key events of Monday, 17 August, in Lithuania and around the world.

Resignation of Commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) General Rustamas Liubajevas has been announced.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius calls on parliament to consider creating a register of sex offenders against minors.

In foreign news, US President Donald Trump orders reduction of the scope of joint military drills with South Korea and makes threats against ally Oman. More details emerge about a drone destroyed in Latvia. Israel’s national security minister calls for the killing of more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

LITHUANIAN POLITICAL NEWS

At a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas announced the resignation of General Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT). The minister said that the commander was stepping down “having evaluated all the circumstances and not wishing to harm the reputation and prestige of VSAT”. The minister described the move as responsible amid an ongoing official review of an incident at the border with Belarus at the end of July, when irregular migrants emerged from an underground tunnel, assaulted Lithuanian border guards and attempted to drag one officer to Belarus through the tunnel. Conservative MP Agnė Bilotaitė, former interior minister, claims it was obvious for some time that the new government wanted to replace the VSAT commander with another person. She said the decision to remove Liubajevas at this time was questionable taking into account the country’s security situation.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius believes that parliament should return to the initiative to create a register of individuals who have committed sexual crimes against children. According to the head of Government, the recent cases handed over to the prosecution concerning priests suspected of sexually abusing children call to reassess whether the state protects children as best as it can. He instructed the responsible ministers, in cooperation with subordinate institutions, to present measures to strengthen the protection of minors from sexual crime. Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė says that the legal framework should be expanded to allow QR codes to be issued not only to those convicted of sexual offences against children, but also to persons suspected of such crimes. According to her, this measure would serve not only as a consequence for a committed offence, but also as a preventive tool. In addition, she does not rule out voluntary medication-based treatment for individuals who are sexually attracted to minors.

In the criminal case in which a priest is accused of sexual crimes against minors, the individuals recognised as victims are now adults. This was stated by Ilma Skuodienė, director of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service (VVTAĮT). The priest in question is charged with 34 criminal episodes committed over a period of 23 years. The offences involve the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving minors in consuming alcohol. Eleven individuals have been recognised as victims in the case. They were minors at the time the crimes were committed. Although the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Archdiocese of Vilnius declined to identify the suspect, media outlets have reported that it is Tadas Švedavičius.

On the orders of Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas, the enhanced protection of critical infrastructure facilities will be extended until the end of 2026. According to the minister, this is being done as a preventive measure after reviewing the safeguards in place and discussing them with the Ministry of the Interior. If the need no longer exists, Kaunas noted, the enhanced protection will be discontinued. Earlier, it was reported that Lithuanian intelligence has information indicating that Russia is considering possible provocations in the Baltic region, including attacks on critical infrastructure. According to the defence minister, such operations could involve the use of Ukrainian‑made drones in an attempt to imitate a so‑called “false flag” operation.

Almost two thirds of residents believe that things in the country are turning for the worse, shows a poll commissioned by ELTA and conducted by the pollster Baltijos tyrimai. Nevertheless, over the past month, the share of people who assess the situation in the country optimistically has increased noticeably. According to the poll conducted at the end of July, 64% of respondents said they believed that things in Lithuania were turning for the worse. Meanwhile, 34% think things are improving. Another 2% had no opinion on the matter. Compared to the survey carried out in June, the share of residents who view the country’s situation optimistically has increased by 7 percentage points – from 27% to 34%. Over two months, this indicator increased even more – by 13 percentage points, from 21% to 34%. A year ago, public sentiment was similar to what it is now: in August 2025, 32% of respondents believed that things in Lithuania were improving, while 65% believed they were deteriorating.

Reacting to more frequent violations of transit rules, Conservative MP Arvydas Anušauskas has registered amendments proposing to reduce the transit time allowed for Russian citizens travelling through Lithuania to 6 hours. The MP notes that the proposal does not contradict the European Union law and does not unilaterally change the maximum 24-hour period set out in the 2003 Council Regulation.He says the law establishes exemptions when transit may last longer but must not exceed the maximum 24-hour period including vehicle malfunction, road traffic accidents, queues at the border and extreme weather conditions. To ensure control, Anušauskas suggests using existing automated vehicle number plate recognition infrastructure that would enable recording the start and end of transit and vehicle deviation from the route.

LITHUANIAN BUSINESS NEWS

Until final court rulings are issued in the cases concerning the termination of Vilnius Regional Waste Management Centre (VAATC) contracts with Energesman, the court has temporarily prohibited the Centre from demanding nearly EUR 1.3 million in guarantee payouts from the insurance company. The Vilnius Regional Court applied interim protective measures in two cases in which Energesman is contesting the termination of the contracts for the operation and modernisation of the Vilnius mechanical-biological treatment plant. VAATC emphasised that the court only partially granted the company’s requests and that this procedural decision does not mean the main dispute has been resolved. Energesman is asking the court to oblige VAATC to continue performing both contracts and maintains that they remain valid. The company estimates that it will incur around EUR 20 million in losses due to the situation.

As of Monday, the Vilnius Combined Heat and Power Plant (VKJ) is once again accepting waste from Utena and Alytus regional waste management centres. The decision was made by the Vilnius City Municipality’s Emergency Operations Centre. Over the week, VKJ plans to accept 2,660 tonnes of waste from Vilnius region, 105 tonnes from Utena and 210 tonnes from Alytus region. Waste‑management problems intensified in July after the Vilnius Regional Waste Management Centre (VAATC) terminated its contract with Energesman, the operator of the Vilnius mechanical‑biological treatment plant, citing alleged failure to fulfil commitments. The situation was further complicated by a fire at the plant last year, after which its operations were not fully restored. As a result, waste‑management difficulties have arisen not only in Vilnius, but also in Alytus and Utena regions.

The construction permit for the homestead of Širvintos District Mayor Živilė Pinskuvienė and her husband, MP Jonas Pinskus, was initially issued in violation of requirements, but once the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI) launched an inspection, the land plot’s designation and type of use were changed, the news website Delfi reported. The inspectorate confirmed that the planned construction of a residential house and garage did not comply with the agricultural land designation listed in the Real Estate Register at the time. However, the data were amended and the violations eliminated during the assessment, and it was ultimately concluded that the construction permit had been issued lawfully. This is not the first violation identified at the Pinskus’ homestead – in July, VTPSI halted construction of the garage and in August ordered part of an illegally built terrace to be demolished. Questions have also arisen regarding the purchase of an apartment in Palanga by Pinskuvienė’s mother, Širvintos District Council member Marija Gudonienė – in June, the Special Investigation Service (STT) launched a pre‑trial investigation into the circumstances of the transaction.

On Monday, three empty wagons of railway freight company LTG Cargo derailed in Radviliškis railway station, northern Lithuania. According to LTG, wagons did not overturn and the incident did not affect operations of other trains. The consequences of the incident are being handled and its circumstances are being examined. In addition, on Monday morning, malfunction of the overhead power line was also reported on the line Palemonas–Kaunas, which resulted in a temporary suspension of train services on this stretch, which were later restored. Two other derailment incidents occurred earlier this year, three wagons transporting crushed stone derailed in Gudžiūnai, Kėdainiai District in May. Whereas on the same weekend, a locomotive and four freight wagons went off the track in Jiesia, Kaunas District.

LITHUANIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS

On Monday, the Vilnius Regional Court held the first hearing in the trial of a Kyrgyz citizen Mukhammad Ali Nurkulov, who is suspected of funding and supporting terrorist activity. The Kyrgyz citizen had a temporary residence permit in Lithuania, he was detained in Vilnius Airport this March. Ali Nurkulov pleaded guilty, sincerely regretted his actions and accepted responsibility, and asked the court to give him a chance to return to a normal life. The pre-trial investigation was carried out by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) in cooperation with the State Security Department (VSD). During the investigation it was determined that the man, born in 1977, espoused radical Islamist views, supported terrorist organisation Hamas and in the summer of 2025 conducted several financial operations from his crypto wallet to support Al Qassem Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. It transpired at the hearing that he transferred EUR 84.83 and EUR 93.96. In court, the defendant claimed he was donating money on humanitarian grounds for food. Based on the Criminal Code, he faces a custodial sentence from 3 to 10 years.

FOREIGN NEWS

US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered a significant reduction in the upcoming joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump justified his decision by citing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea and the United States hold annual drills aimed at strengthening their combined defence capabilities, and the latest round was scheduled to begin on Monday. Trump also hinted that the annual exercises with South Korean forces could eventually be scrapped altogether. In the same statement, he noted that South Korea had recently rejected his request to join an initiative aimed at preventing Iran’s nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if it hinders reaching an agreement with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump told a Fox News journalist, referring to the weeks‑long negotiations between Oman and Iran over control of the strait, which is vital for global oil and gas transit. The USA is conducting separate talks on the matter. Earlier on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that it was preparing a joint declaration with Oman on the conditions for reopening the waterway. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the strait – which Tehran effectively closed on 28 February when the war in the Middle East began – is under the US control, even though navigation through it remains heavily restricted.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that violated Latvian airspace on Friday and was shot down had entered from Belarusian territory, the country’s defence minister said in an interview with Latvian Television. Defence Minister Raivis Melnis confirmed that any drones entering Latvian airspace will be destroyed, and earlier stated that the decision to shoot down the UAV was made to prevent potential harm to Latvian residents. Early Friday morning, NATO fighter jets shot down the drone near Lake Bozeva, located roughly five kilometres from the centre of Rugaji village in the Balvi municipality. The UAV was downed over a forested area. People were not injured and property was not damaged. Over the weekend, specialists from the Latvian National Armed Forces safely neutralised the drone. Its country of origin is still being determined.

Israel’s far‑right National Security Minister calls for the killing of more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Itamar Ben‑Gvir stated he disagrees with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this issue. The minister stated that “targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza, removing 30, 40 people every night”. The minister said he was not referring only to militants posing an immediate threat. According to him, there are people in Gaza who do not deserve to live. The statements were made before the upcoming visit of US envoy Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is a mediator in the peace talks in the region. On Monday, Kushner is meeting with Netanyahu.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – On Monday, 17 August, three wagons of railway freight company LTG Cargo derailed in Radviliškis railway station, northern Lithuania.

“Today, at 1:50 pm, a technical incident occurred in Radviliškis railway station, during which three empty LTG Cargo freight wagons derailed,” Julija Leimonė, communications partner of LTG Link, told ELTA.

According to her, the wagons did not overturn and the incident had no impact on the operations of other trains.

“Currently, the consequences [of the accident] are being handled and the circumstances of the incident are being examined,” she said.

As reported, on Monday morning, malfunction of the overhead line was also reported on the line Palemonas–Kaunas, which resulted in a temporary suspension of train traffic on this stretch, which was restored at around noon.

Earlier this year, two other railway incidents happened, one of them took place on 1 May in Gudžiūnai, Kėdainiai District, as three wagons transporting crushed stone derailed.

The second incident happened the same weekend in Jiesia, Kaunas District, when a locomotive and 4 freight wagons travelling to Duisburg, Germany, came off the tracks.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – The management team of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, operating under the Altra brand, has been joined by Tomas Pribušauskas as Chief Financial Officer. He will contribute to the financial management of one of Lithuania’s most complex megaprojects – the decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant – and, together with the management team, will strengthen the principles of strategic management that will help the organisation achieve its long-term strategic objectives, Altra reported.

“Altra is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Alongside the decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, we are strengthening the company’s capabilities, introducing more effective operational management principles and laying the groundwork for new strategic areas of activity. This requires strong financial management expertise and the ability to look beyond today’s needs to the company’s long-term prospects. I am confident that Tomas’s experience in finance, risk management, operational planning and process optimisation will strengthen our management team and help us make decisions grounded in data and prudent financial planning,” says Linas Baužys, CEO of Altra. 

As Chief Financial Officer, Pribušauskas will oversee the work of the Business Planning and Finance team, coordinate the company’s financial management, budget planning and the control of its various funding sources. His responsibilities will also include assessing operational efficiency, coordinating financing agreements and cooperation with European Union and Lithuanian financial institutions, managing commercial activities, and contributing to the implementation of the organisation’s most important changes and strategic initiatives. 

“Joining Altra gives me the opportunity to apply the experience I have accumulated in an organisation where financial management serves a very clear long-term purpose and is directly linked to strategic decision-making. The company is simultaneously implementing complex long-term projects and managing multiple funding sources. I therefore see the finance function not merely as an area of control or reporting, but first and foremost as a partner in decision-making, assessing operational efficiency and ensuring the organisation’s sustainable development. My goal is to work with the team to build a clear, data-driven financial management system that will help Altra achieve its strategic objectives,” says Tomas Pribušauskas. 

Pribušauskas has 14 years of professional experience across the finance, banking, manufacturing and technology sectors. Before joining Altra, he served as Chief Operating Officer at OPTOMAN, a technology and laser optics solutions company, where he was responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, operational optimisation and procurement strategy. He previously worked at Swedbank, where he headed the Group Credit Risk Reporting Department. He also gained professional experience at INVL Technology, the Alma Littera Group and the National Paying Agency. 

Pribušauskas holds a master’s degree in Finance and Banking from Vytautas Magnus University and has also completed the International Executive MBA programme at BMI Executive Institute. 

Altra is currently implementing one of Lithuania’s most complex megaprojects – the decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. The company aims to safely dismantle the former nuclear power plant in Lithuania by 2050 and ensure that future generations are not left with an undue burden of radioactive waste management. Most dismantled materials are returned to the secondary raw materials market following decontamination, while radioactive waste is managed in accordance with the highest safety standards and new waste management infrastructure is being developed. Lithuania is establishing long-term radioactive waste management infrastructure that is expected to remain in operation until 2100 and beyond, while the company aims to become an advanced, next-generation European leader in the sustainable nuclear energy cycle.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – This year, vocational schools have admitted more than 18,200 students, whereas 1,600 gymnasium students will be able to study vocational modules of their choice as well.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, most students entering vocational schools as of September have chosen engineering programmes.

Just as in recent years, more than 4,000 students have selected engineering programmes as the demand for these specialists is among the highest.

The ministry stated that other popular programmes include service sector, architecture, construction, healthcare and social wellbeing professions.

Most applicants are being invited to enrol in vocational training programmes for vehicle repair technicians, electricians, finishers, cooks, welders, personal care workers, accountants, hairdressers, paramedics and therapeutic massage specialists.

Meanwhile, gymnasium students this year often selected modules in confectionary making, tractor driving, pizza making, barista, bar setup and customer service.

According to the ministry, most applicants enrolled in the King Mindaugas Vocational Training Centre, the Kaunas Technology Training Centre, the Šiauliai Technology Training Centre, the Panevėžys Training Centre and the Marijampolė Vocational Training Centre.

Students may sign enrolment agreements with vocational schools until 19 August 2026.

Vilnius, August 17 (ELTA) – Train services have resumed on the Palemonas–Kaunas stretch after a fault was detected earlier on Monday morning, the state‑owned Lithuanian Railways Group (LTG) reported.

An overhead line failure was identified on Monday morning on the Palemonas–Kaunas railway section, leading to a temporary suspension of train traffic, services have been fully restored at around noon and trains resumed running in both directions.

According to preliminary data, more than 900 passengers experienced disruptions due to the malfunction.

The fault affected the movement of thirteen passenger trains operating on the Vilnius–Kaunas–Vilnius, Kaunas–Šiauliai–Kaunas and Vilnius–Mockava routes.

Vilnius, August 15 (ELTA) – Parcel delivery service DPD Lietuva plans to expand its fleet with 35 new electric vehicles, while 10 of them have been already in use since the first quarter of 2026.

The company currently operates 105 electric vehicles, while their number is expected to reach 130 by the end of the year.

Most of this year’s expansion is planned to be carried out during the first three quarters. At this stage, expansion into other cities is not envisaged, but the fleet will be increased in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Marijampolė, Alytus and Utena.

According to Jurgita Čestauskaitė, head of sustainability ad DPD Lietuva, the use of electric vehicles is one of the main directions in the company’s strategy that helps to rapidly cut CO2 emissions and implement sustainability commitments. This also contributes to the reduction of pollution in cities.

She adds that since 2021 DPD Lietuva has delivered 8.3 million parcels using electric vehicles, which helped cut CO2 emissions by 553 tonnes. It is estimated that by the end of the year, when the fleet reaches 130 electric vehicles, they will have delivered around 1.5 million more parcels, cutting CO2 emissions by 100 more tonnes.

The head of sustainability says it is sought that electric vehicles would constitute 85% of DPD Lietuva parcel delivery fleet by 2030 and 100% by 2035.