Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States is being changed to air defence mission, President Gitanas Nausėda has announced.

“One of the crucial results of this summit is that NATO air policing mission is being reclassified to NATO air defence mission. This will significantly improve Lithuania’s air defence,” Nausėda said in a comment sent to ELTA.

On 7–8 July, the president is participating in the NATO summit in Ankara.

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

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who is participating in the NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, hopes that the issue of Ukraine’s membership in NATO will be considered in the future.

“Perhaps this issue will be included in the agenda. Nobody knows, perhaps tomorrow or the day after tomorrow,” Nausėda said in an interview to Security.Table.

According to the head of state, Ukraine’s membership in NATO would strengthen the Alliance with the experience and knowledge it has gained on the battlefield.

He says Ukraine’s Armed Forces have become very strong, arguably the strongest in the EU, and this should be taken into consideration when evaluating the long-term perspective.

The president also notes that Ukraine in Europe is no longer just the recipient of security guarantees but could become a guarantor of security. 

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas met with Japanese, South Korean, Polish, Italian, Norwegian, Finnish and other Allied counterparts at the NATO Summit in Ankara, reports the Ministry of National Defence.

At the meetings, cooperation in the area of defence industry, air defence capabilities and cyber security where discussed, further information and experience exchange was agreed on. 

“Both NATO Allies and our partners face similar threats, so I have accentuated the need for a fair burden-sharing thus ensuring security of population Alliance-wide,” said Minister Kaunas after the meetings.

The minister also pointed out the change in the direction of Putin’s war in Ukraine, the conclusion of which will determine the future of European and global security.

“We need to step the assistance to Ukraine, strengthen the pressure on Moscow and force Putin to the negotiations table,” said the minister of national defence. 

According to the minister, the aggressor Russia would not be able to continue the war in Ukraine without China, Iran and North Korea’s backing, while this same authoritarian partnership posed a threat to the stability of the Indo-Pacific too, besides fuelling the war in Europe.

Therefore, according to the minister, Lithuania will continue developing the cooperation with the democratic countries in the region.

“Our cyber team are already training with the Australians, Japanese, Koreans and New Zealanders in the joint cyber defence exercise, we also trained in a joint team with Japan in NATO Exercise Locked Shields,” said Kaunas.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – President Gitanas Nausėda is attending the NATO Summit in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, on Wednesday, said the president’s press service.

In his speech, the president stressed that the Ankara Summit must demonstrate the Alliance’s cohesion, unity, and resolve. He also emphasized the importance of underscoring with one voice Russia’s long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

“We harbor no illusions about Russia – it respects only military strength. But military strength is not just about weapons or equipment. The Kremlin also respects strong political will. Credible deterrence is based on both of these elements,” the president said.

Gitanas Nausėda underlined that, in the current geopolitical environment, our shared task is to strengthen the Alliance’s collective defense and deterrence.

“If we want to live in peace, we must invest in defense and deterrence,” he stressed.

According to the president, deterrence is most effective when European and US troops serve shoulder to shoulder on NATO’s eastern flank. He noted that Lithuania is making substantial investments in host nation support to provide the best possible conditions for Allied troops stationed in the country.

Speaking about NATO’s new air defense plan, the president highlighted that Lithuania will invest 2 billion euros in air defense over the coming years, including 700 million in counter-drone capabilities.

“The transition from the air policing mission to an air defense mission is a historic achievement. The presence of Allied air forces, ready to defend, sends a clear message to Moscow. We are grateful to all the countries contributing to this mission,” the president said.

He also stressed that Lithuania is among NATO’s leading countries in defense spending.

“This year, we are allocating 5.38 percent of GDP to core defense, with an additional 1.5 percent dedicated to dual-use infrastructure and resilience. In total, our spending on defense and security amounts to almost 7 percent of GDP – well above the commitment made at the Hague Summit,” the president said.

The president also noted that, in order to translate financial commitments into real military capabilities as quickly as possible, Lithuania is investing in cutting-edge military equipment procured from the United States and European allies. The number of people enlisting in the armed forces is growing rapidly, and Lithuania plans to have a combat-ready division in place by 2030.

“Peace through strength must become NATO’s new guiding principle. We Europeans must work shoulder to shoulder with the Americans to ensure a smooth rebalancing of responsibilities within the Alliance, with Europe assuming greater responsibility for its own security. Our goal is a strong Europe within a strong NATO. Together, we are stronger than we are apart. This is a two-way commitment,” the president said.

The president emphasized that Euro-Atlantic security will not be complete without Ukraine.

“Our support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom is the best investment in a just and lasting peace. We must continue supporting Ukraine. Lithuania supports the Allies’ joint commitment to provide 70 billion euros in military assistance for Ukraine’s defense in 2026 and to maintain the same level of support in 2027. Lithuania has consistently contributed to this commitment and will continue to do so, including through the procurement of U.S. military equipment under the PURL initiative,” the president said.

“I am confident that, together with the United States, we will ensure that Europe remains a continent of peace, security, and hope for future generations. Let us make this a reality together,” the president concluded.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – ELTA Brief provides a concise overview of the key events of Wednesday, 8 July, in Lithuania and around the world.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who participated in the NATO summit in Ankara, announced that the NATO air policing mission is being reclassified as an air defence mission. According to him, this will help to ensure safer skies in Lithuania and other Baltic countries. On Wednesday, Conservative lawmakers met with nominated Minister of Health Linas Kukuraitis and incoming Minister of Finance Taurimas Valis. The Prosecutor General’s Office appealed to the Supreme Court against the acquittal of MEP Petras Gražulis for contempt for LGBTQ people.

LITHUANIAN POLITICAL NEWS

At the ongoing NATO summit in Ankara, it was decided to reclassify the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission into an air defence mission. President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda shared the news from Ankara. According to him, the air policing mission operates in peaceful conditions, but appropriate measures are needed due to the hybrid challenges posed by drone incursions. The president hopes that this solution will provide a wider range of action and clearer algorithms. Moreover, he said that if another drone incident occurs, an unmanned aerial vehicle is expected to be destroyed.

The parliamentary group of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) met with the appointed Minister of Health Linas Kukuraitis. The politician was asked about funding for assisted reproduction and the development of disease prevention programmes.

The Seimas Commission for Ethics and Procedures has concluded that MP Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the Nemunas Dawn party, had violated the valid principles of conduct of state politicians. Such a decision was made by the Seimas ethics watchdogs after examining the complaint of MEP Dainius Žalimas against Žemaitaitis. The complaint alleged that the Nemunas Dawn leader published a doctored photo and humiliated a participant of the protest supporting the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).

The Prosecutor General’s Office has appealed to the Supreme Court of Lithuania against the acquittal of MEP Petras Gražulis for contempt for LGBTQ people. The Prosecutor General’s Office seeks that the conviction previously handed down by the Vilnius Regional Court, by which Gražulis was fined EUR 10 thousand, would be upheld. The appeal was filed concerning, in the opinion of the prosecutor’s office, the improper application of the criminal law. The Supreme Court of Lithuania is yet to decide whether to accept the prosecutor’s appeal. The cassation court decides on the admissibility of each appeal in both civil and criminal cases. In April, the Court of Appeal of Lithuania fully acquitted MEP Gražulis as not having committed an act that had the characteristics of a crime or a criminal offense. The court declared that Gražulis’ public statements were of a contemptuous and offensive nature, but the statements could not incur criminal liability.

LITHUANIAN BUSINESS NEWS

President Gitanas Nausėda hopes that at the NATO summit in Ankara the allies will demonstrate not only political but also financial solidarity by committing to higher defence spending. Nausėda said that Lithuania showed an example to the allies by allocating 5.38 percent of GDP to core defence this year, with an additional 1.5 percent dedicated to dual-use infrastructure and resilience. In total, Lithuania’s spending on defence and security amounts to almost 7 percent of GDP this year. The president notes that Lithuania is raising defence spending even though the funds could be directed to other priority areas. According to him, Lithuania could not expect greater allied contribution to collective defence if it did not make every effort to strengthen its own defence capabilities. The NATO summit in Ankara took place on 7–8 July.

According to incoming Finance Minister Taurimas Valys, even though the new ruling coalition plans to encourage creating families, which would require to raise government spending, yet new tax changes are not planned. The Social Democrat-nominated politician on Wednesday met with the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrat (TS-LKD) political group in the Seimas. He said that economic growth would be the main measure aimed at increasing state revenue and fulfilling various expectations of the public. The would-be finance minister added that the level of public debt is currently under control, whereas in order to maintain the pace of economic growth a balance would have to be sought when adopting decisions on public spending.

After the first meeting with the opposition’s Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrat (TS-LKD) political group in the Seimas, incoming Finance Minister Taurimas Valys said that he would never allow anyone to humiliate him. After the meeting, he said that he felt good and had answered all the questions properly. When asked whether he felt humiliated during the meeting, the future minister said that the representatives of the TS-LKD group lacked objectivity and clarity when asking certain questions. However, Ingrida Šimonytė, a representative of the TS-LKD, who previously served as the prime minister and the finance minister, said she had an impression that the appointed finance minister came to the meeting unprepared.

FOREIGN NEWS

At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump reiterated that he still wanted the US to control Greenland and threated to withdraw all US military forces from Europe if allies continue to oppose his claim on Greenland. Trump also complained that some allies refused to grant access to their military bases for US attacks against Iran and did not agree to help open the vital Hormuz Strait for oil and gas transit, which was blocked by Iran. In early 2025, Trump said he wanted the US to control Greenland, causing a crisis in NATO as the Arctic island belongs to Denmark, which is also a NATO country. On Wednesday, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the island administered by Denmark is not for sale.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, the US president warned that US forces would strike Iran hard in the coming night. Earlier on Wednesday, Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran over. His remarks came after clashes between Iran and the United States escalated again last night. In response to attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States struck dozens of targets in Iran. Washington has also reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil. Tehran responded with attacks on US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, and oil prices around the world rose sharply again.

Russia has threatened to retaliate over the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in the Baltic States. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Finland and Lithuania’s deliberations on the issue, stressed on Wednesday that such a decision will not increase the security of these countries and Moscow will take retaliatory measures to protect its interests. On Tuesday, after the first reading, the Lithuanian Parliament approved the initiative to annul Article 137 of the Constitution, which prohibits deploying nuclear weapons in Lithuania. In order to amend the Constitution, it is necessary that at least 94 MPs out of 141 would vote for the proposal twice with a three-month break. The parliament speaker said that it is realistic to make the final decision by the end of the next autumn session. Finland adopted amendments to the law at the end of June, lifting the ban on the import and deployment of nuclear weapons on the country’s territory. They came into force on 1 July.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, the US president attacked Spain, calling it a “terrible NATO partner”. Dissatisfied with Spain’s defence spending and unwillingness to help in the war with Iran, Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade, a threat he had made in the spring, but did not carry it out. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez nevertheless stated at a press conference after the summit that the bilateral “relations are very positive” from a social, cultural, economic and also political point of view and in an informal conversation with the US president, he said there was no tension.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – NATO must not create doubt that Article 5 on collective defence actually works, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda said before a meeting of the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday.

“If we leave no doubt that Article 5 applies, Russia will not put it to the test. However, it is not enough to repeat a hundred or two hundred times how strong Article 5 is. We must spend more, strengthen air defences and build the wall of deterrence,” Nausėda told reporters in Ankara.

According to the president, greater defence funding must be discussed not only at NATO but also when negotiating on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Moreover, the head of state stressed the importance of countries on NATO’s eastern flank as they defend the EU’s external border and sometimes face a disproportionate financial burden.

“We must take appropriate measures, we must finance these expenses. We are not the most developed EU countries – we are still approaching the EU average. It is not that easy for us to assume the financial burden striving to protect the external border,” said Nausėda.

Speaking about Russia’s war against Ukraine, the president emphasised that negotiations are currently impossible because Russia is not ready to end the war it had started.

“Now is not the right time to negotiate with Russia as it has clearly showed to us that it does not want our participation and is ready to continue the war,” said the president.

“I do not see how negotiations could be possible if one side of the conflict is not prepared to negotiate,” said Nausėda.

As reported, the Lithuanian president is attending the NATO summit in Ankara on 7–8 July.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – On 8 July, a preventive railway safety campaign organised by LTG Group and the Lithuanian Police is taking place at railway level crossings across Lithuania. During the campaign, road users at the busiest and highest‑risk crossings are reminded of the key rules for safe behaviour when crossing railway tracks, LTG said in a press release.

The campaign is held at 24 railway level crossings in cooperation with LTG Group representatives, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Lithuanian police officers. Unique snail‑shaped reflectors were distributed, and drivers and pedestrians were encouraged to follow the Road Traffic Regulations. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness among drivers and pedestrians, promote responsible behaviour, and draw attention to potential risks when crossing railway tracks.

“We care about people’s safety all year round. Especially now, during school vacation, both drivers and pedestrians need to be extra vigilant. At the same time, we are actively investing in technical railway safety and modernising the railroad crossings themselves. Only through joint efforts can we achieve zero fatalities on the railways,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas.

According to Aleksandras Zubriakovas, Director of Corporate Affairs at LTG, such initiatives are an important part of consistent safety measures that help prevent railway accidents.

“Every prevention campaign allows us to reach people directly and remind them that safety starts with simple decisions – stop, look around, assess the situation, and follow the traffic rules. We’ve seen that face-to-face contact and clear explanations are more effective than any fine. That is why we consistently invest not only in infrastructure but also in raising public awareness,” says Zubriakovas.

The campaign is part of the broader social‑educational safety programme “Safe Tracks” implemented by LTG Group. Two preventive campaigns at level crossings are planned this year, each expected to cover around 25 railway crossings.

The “Safe Tracks” campaign includes not only on‑site actions at crossings but also broader public information measures. Campaign signage has already been installed on the Vilnius–Kaunas highway at the 52nd kilometre, and video clips are displayed on station platform screens. In the future, these video messages will also be shown on train screens – this will be implemented once new trains enter service.

Additional audio safety announcements are being prepared for railway stations, long‑term visual communication is planned inside trains, and the campaign’s website Safe Tracks | LTG Infra is continuously updated. Campaign messages have also been broadcast nationally as social advertising.

Railway safety remains one of LTG Group’s key priorities. To reduce the risk of accidents, investments are made in technical safety measures, level crossing upgrades are carried out, and by the end of the year signage will be renewed at 34 pedestrian crossings and walkways between platforms. Educational visits to schools and camps, as well as preventive activities, are also consistently implemented.

Thousands of violations are recorded at level crossings every year, and accidents most often occur due to careless or irresponsible behaviour.

Experts remind that a train’s braking distance can reach several kilometres, meaning that even seemingly “I’ll make it in time” situations can end tragically. LTG therefore reminds everyone that when crossing railway tracks, it is essential to stop, make sure no train is approaching, obey traffic lights and road signs, and never attempt to cross when a prohibitive signal is displayed.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda hopes that at the NATO summit in Ankara the allies will demonstrate not only political but also financial solidarity by committing to higher defence spending.

“I hope that today NATO will reach an appropriate level of solidarity. […] I am speaking not only about moral solidarity and unity, but also about financial solidarity. Lithuania is trying to show an example for all others, as in 2026 we are allocating 5.4 percent of our gross domestic product for defence. If we include other defence‑related expenditures, our funding dedicated to military needs amounts to 7 percent,” Nausėda told reporters in Ankara on Wednesday.

According to the head of state, Lithuania is raising defence spending even though the funds could be directed to other areas.

“To protect our freedom and our people, we are ready to take a substantial part of public finances, which could be used for other needs. Obviously, we need social benefits, we need greater pensions, but we realise in what world we live and who our neighbours are,” said Nausėda.

As reported, the president is taking part in the NATO summit in Ankara on 7–8 July.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – The Ministry of Health of Lithuania will provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid in the form of medical supplies. The Government adopted a resolution to that effect on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Health will deliver medical supplies valued EUR 45,600 and organise the transfer of this humanitarian aid.

In addition, it was decided to allow the use of the medical supplies from the state reserve managed by the Ministry of Health for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with a total value of approximately EUR 366,500.

The decision was made following requests for humanitarian aid from the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania.

Vilnius, July 8 (ELTA) – On Wednesday in Ankara, Lithuania’s First Lady Diana Nausėdienė participated in a roundtable discussion with spouses of leaders on the protection of children in the digital environment, held on the sidelines of the NATO Summit and hosted by Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, reports the presidency.

Addressing the participants, Lithuania’s first lady emphasized that while the rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies is creating new opportunities for children’s education, it is also giving rise to new threats. She stressed that the international community must act together to address these challenges.

“I do not think that today we can simply block the virtual world from children – despite all the challenges, it brings unique opportunities for learning. However, we must make the virtual world as safe as possible for our children. That will not happen on its own – countries must work together to strengthen the ability of children, parents, and teachers to use the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence responsibly,” said Diana Nausėdienė.

The first lady noted that society is increasingly aware of the risks the digital environment poses to children, giving policymakers a strong mandate to take decisive action. According to Diana Nausėdienė, the spouses of heads of state can play an important role in bringing society together and strengthening dialogue with decision-makers.

Diana Nausėdienė also expressed her support for US First Lady Melania Trump’s initiative to build a global coalition dedicated to children’s well-being in the age of artificial intelligence and thanked Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan for organizing the discussion on protecting children in the digital space.

Speaking about the link between national and digital security, Lithuania’s first lady stressed that protecting children’s emotional well-being and digital safety is an investment in societal resilience.

“At the NATO Summit, we discuss the security of our states. Meanwhile, protecting children in the digital space strengthens the security of our societies from within. Young people are among the most susceptible to disinformation and radicalization. Children who are emotionally resilient and digitally safe will grow into resilient citizens of their countries,” Diana Nausėdienė emphasized.

The first lady also presented Lithuania’s ongoing initiatives to enhance children’s online safety. According to Diana Nausėdienė, Lithuania is fostering cooperation among researchers, policymakers, the business community, and global technology companies to build a comprehensive ecosystem for protecting children online.

Diana Nausėdienė noted that the measures being implemented in Lithuania include recommendations for educators and social workers, prevention programs in schools, work with youth and families, and clear response algorithms if there are suspicions of recruitment.

The first lady also welcomed the European Commission’s decision to make children’s online safety one of the European Union’s top priorities. She noted that Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year, providing an important opportunity to continue the international dialogue on protecting children in the digital space, including among the spouses of heads of state.