NATO Readiness Watch: Lithuania’s defense leadership is warning of possible Russian false-flag operations using “captured Ukrainian drones” to shake Baltic support for Ukraine, after fresh alarms tied to NATO’s eastern flank and a wider US assessment that Moscow may test alliance resolve. Baltic Security & Infrastructure: The warning comes alongside a drone incident near Bulgaria’s Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, where Sofia said the aircraft likely wasn’t deliberately aimed at Bulgaria and Ukraine denied targeting—yet the case highlights detection gaps for EU and NATO states. Ukraine Under Fire: Russia carried out heavy strikes on Odesa, injuring residents and hitting energy and seaport infrastructure, while separate attacks in Kharkiv killed people and damaged a residential building. Belarus Politics: Six years after the 2020 stolen election, Lukashenko remains entrenched as opposition voices mark the anniversary from exile and warn Belarus is further locked into Putin’s war. Defense Industry: The US Army awarded Kratos a contract to develop a next-generation infrared seeker for the Javelin, aimed at keeping the missile effective and producible for decades. Lithuania in the Region: Lithuania’s foreign minister reiterated Russia’s “imperial mindset” behind the war and called for sustained international pressure on Moscow.