Nuclear Debate: Lithuania’s parliament is set to remove a Cold War-era constitutional ban on hosting weapons of mass destruction by early 2027, a move Russia calls a “serious escalation” and says would mean any nuclear weapons would be aimed at Lithuania. Defense Spending & NATO: NATO chief Mark Rutte urged allies to follow a “credible path” to 3.5% of GDP defence spending with yearly increases, warning Europe must step up as threats from Russia grow. US-Lithuania Minerals Pact: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuania’s FM Kestutis Budrys signed a critical minerals framework to identify priority projects and mobilize public and private financing within six months. Baltic Security Pressure: Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of Russian hybrid attacks using drones and missiles against countries backing Ukraine, aiming to weaken NATO resolve. Border & Migration Risks: Lithuania says it found 12 tunnels dug for illegal border crossings from Belarus and lodged a protest over drone airspace violations. Local Power Shake-up: The election watchdog terminated the mandate of Druskininkai mayor Malinauskas and another municipal council member after influence-peddling convictions. Governance & EU Support: Lithuania pledged continued backing for Moldova’s EU path during its upcoming EU Council presidency.