NATO & Baltic Security: NATO launched the scaled-down BALTOPS 26 naval exercise in the Baltic Sea near Russia’s borders, running to June 19 with about 20 ships and 6,000 troops from 16 countries including Lithuania. Nuclear Deterrence Talks: Poland and Lithuania confirmed early discussions on their potential role in NATO nuclear deterrence built around U.S. weapons in Europe, with Lithuania saying it is “not standing on the sidelines.” U.S. Troop Rotation Uncertainty: Lithuania’s defense minister says the next U.S. troop rotation is under review after about 1,000 U.S. soldiers began redeployment, leaving the country without a substantial American contingent for the first time in years. Shelter Readiness Scrutiny: A drone alert in Vilnius exposed gaps in shelter access, with residents reporting locked or hard-to-reach underground shelters. Ukraine Drone Support: Zelensky said Ukraine will send counter-drone experts to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania to share experience and interceptor know-how. Cross-border Justice: A 23-year-old woman wanted in Lithuania for serious child sexual offences was arrested in Northern Ireland after being found hiding in a wardrobe and is set to face an extradition court. EU Visa Pressure on Russians: 11 EU and partner countries, including Lithuania, urged the European Commission to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russians, citing high tourist visa numbers amid the war in Ukraine.