NATO & Security: Ankara summit headlines were dominated by Trump’s threats and bickering, but allies still reaffirmed “ironclad” collective defence—while Turkey’s Erdogan sparked a security and legal scramble by gifting engraved vintage revolvers with live ammo to leaders, including Lithuania’s Nausėda. Lithuanian Defence & Borders: Lithuania tripled funding for anti-smuggling balloon detection tech (from €1mn to €3mn) and Litgrid reported rapid green build-out, with battery storage connections surging to 276 MW in H1 2026. EU Russia Sanctions: EU envoys are set to approve a weakened 21st sanctions package, with disputes over a ban on Russian soldiers’ travel and LNG-related measures. Ukraine War Context: UN officials warned Russia’s attacks show a clear pattern of targeting civilians as Ukraine seeks stronger air defence and new drone partnerships. Domestic Politics: Social Democrat Mindaugas Sinkevičius is set to become PM after submitting to end his Jonava mayor mandate; the electoral commission says no early mayor vote will be held. Economy & Tech: Lithuanian AI data-scraping startup Oxylabs raised $130m at a $3.6bn valuation, underscoring Lithuania’s growing tech footprint. Foreign Policy: Lithuania sent a protest note to Russia over alleged drone attacks using Lithuanian airspace.