Latest news with #Lithuanian
The Star
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kyiv accuses Russia of leaving Ukrainians stranded at Georgian border
FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attends a press conference, with the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags displayed, in Lublin, Poland, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kuba Stezycki/File Photo KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia on Saturday of deporting Ukrainians into Georgia and leaving them stranded there without proper documents hundreds of miles from their home. Andrii Sybiha said Russia was stepping up the expulsions of Ukrainians - many of them former prisoners - over the southern frontier, rather than sending them directly over its border with Ukraine. That amounted to Russia "weaponizing the deportation of Ukrainian citizens," he added on X. There was no immediate response from Moscow, which has denied accusations of mistreating or targeting civilians since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Since June, Russia has significantly increased the number of deported Ukrainian nationals, mostly former convicts, to the border with Georgia," Sybiha wrote. "As a result, dozens of people, many of whom lack proper documentation, have been stuck in the transit zone." Sybiha said 43 citizens, including former political prisoner Andrii Kolomiyets, have been transported from Georgia to Ukraine via Moldova, but more people remain in "difficult conditions" at the border. Sybiha called on Russia to transport them to the Ukrainian border instead. Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed the matter with Sybiha. "These are Ukrainians released by Russians from prisons and penal colonies in Russia-controlled territory," Zelenskiy said. "Ukrainian diplomats are arranging the transit of these citizens of our state back to Ukraine." (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Kyiv accuses Russia of leaving Ukrainians stranded at Georgian border
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attends a press conference, with the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags displayed, in Lublin, Poland, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kuba Stezycki/File Photo KYIV - Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia on Saturday of deporting Ukrainians into Georgia and leaving them stranded there without proper documents hundreds of miles from their home. Andrii Sybiha said Russia was stepping up the expulsions of Ukrainians - many of them former prisoners - over the southern frontier, rather than sending them directly over its border with Ukraine. That amounted to Russia "weaponizing the deportation of Ukrainian citizens," he added on X. There was no immediate response from Moscow, which has denied accusations of mistreating or targeting civilians since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Since June, Russia has significantly increased the number of deported Ukrainian nationals, mostly former convicts, to the border with Georgia," Sybiha wrote. "As a result, dozens of people, many of whom lack proper documentation, have been stuck in the transit zone." Sybiha said 43 citizens, including former political prisoner Andrii Kolomiyets, have been transported from Georgia to Ukraine via Moldova, but more people remain in "difficult conditions" at the border. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Asia How China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities have raised alarm around the world Singapore Vessels from Navy, SCDF and MPA to debut at Marina Bay in NDP maritime display Asia Autogate glitch at Malaysia's major checkpoints causes chaos for S'porean and foreign travellers Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care Singapore Why hiring more teachers makes sense, even with falling student numbers Sybiha called on Russia to transport them to the Ukrainian border instead. Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed the matter with Sybiha. "These are Ukrainians released by Russians from prisons and penal colonies in Russia-controlled territory," Zelenskiy said. "Ukrainian diplomats are arranging the transit of these citizens of our state back to Ukraine." REUTERS
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
What Would a 'Drone Wall' to Shield Europe's Borders Look Like?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It is still an "unanswered question" whether countries running along NATO's eastern flank are prepared to defend against drone attacks, the European Commission's defense and space chief has said. Lithuania, a Baltic state staring down Russia, should construct a "drone wall" with its neighbors, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius told the country's LRT broadcaster. "It's not just about producing or stockpiling drones today," Kubilius said. "We need trained teams ready to rapidly manufacture the necessary number of drones at a moment's notice, tailored to the needs of a drone wall." Russia's war on Ukraine has changed the drone game, making skillful wielding of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) an absolute must for modern armed forces. On the front lines in Ukraine, drones are being tweaked and upgraded every few weeks. As drones rapidly evolve, so too must the defenses designed to shield against the threat UAVs, as well as drones in the water or crossing on land, can pose. An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025. An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025. Vitaliy Ankov / Sputnik via AP A drone crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, a key Russian ally, on July 10. The drone crashed close to the border as senior officials headed for shelters, domestic media reported. "This incident shows that the possibility of a drone entering Lithuanian territory is real," Kubilius said. Vilnius lodged a "strong protest" with Minsk, according to local reports. "Our message is that this is serious," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The concept of a "drone wall" isn't new, but its exact form along the eastern flank of NATO remains unclear. Lithuania's then-Interior Minister, Agnė Bilotaitė, said in May 2024 that a "drone border" would be established, stretching from Norway to Poland. The drones will add to physical barriers and surveillance systems to "allow us to also protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries," Bilotaitė said at the time. The "wall" will also employ counter-drone technology, regional media reported at the time. It would essentially focus on ensuring that an enemy like Russia cannot operate effectively in a specific area, known as the "kill box" or "killing area," Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow in European security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, told Newsweek. Drones could be placed on the border, including in concealed spots, while mixed in with artillery, Arnold said. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said earlier this year that President Volodymyr Zelensky had launched a "large-scale project" known as the "drone line," designed to carve out a "kill zone" of up to 15 kilometers. The "drone line" would be built using UAVs, electronic warfare systems, different types of vehicles and other equipment, Kyiv said. Several initiatives are underway to bolster NATO defenses in the east. The three Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement in January 2024 to beef up protection along their land borders with Russia and Belarus, known as the Baltic Defense Line. Poland has its own program, dubbed East Shield. Anti-tank defenses, like mines and concrete blocks known as dragon's teeth, also occupy NATO territory close to Russian soil. Earlier this year, the European Commission rejected funding for the drone wall. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said that the country would need to build up the capability on a national level. "Europe is large, interests differ, and sometimes what is a sore point and crucial for us is not so much for Europe," Paluckas said, according to Lithuanian media.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
St Pat's next Euro opponents confirmed as Kenny hails return to goalscoring form
Stephen Kenny has hailed St Patrick's Athletic's return to goalscoring form as Mason Melia and Kian Leavy fired the Inchicore side into the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. The Saints completed a comfortable 3-0 aggregate win over Lithuanian side FC Hegelmann, winning 2-0 away from home thanks to goals early in each half by the young attacking pair. They will take on Estonian side Kalju, who saw off Albanian outfit Partizani in extra-time, next week in the first-leg, with that game taking place in Richmond Park. READ MORE: Golfer Jon Rahm rages at 'whistler' in crowd after wild tee shot on opening round at The Open READ MORE: Former Shamrock Rovers and Inter Milan youngster scores in trial game for Sligo Rovers Tottenham-bound teenager Melia scored his first ever European goal and he teed up his teammate Leavy for the second. Kenny said: 'We have to get back on track now because obviously that was expensive for us, in terms of league points, 'But tonight is about the European game and that was a tough game for periods but we played and controlled it really well. 'Without doubt the standout performer - the player who caught the eye most was Kian Leavy - his influence on the night and the goal rounded it off for him, his first European goal.' Melia showed his poaching instincts to score from close range and Kenny was also delighted with his performance. 'Every goal doesn't have to be a brilliant finish. There is nothing wrong with finishing in the six yard box, striker's goals. We've been lacking those types of goals,' he said. 'Jason McClelland did brilliant, a good strike that the keeper palmed and he (Melia) was in there to finish it.' Kenny added: 'He was sharp onto it alright. He won't get an easier goal, but it's because he read the situation and he anticipated it, and that's a good side. 'There are more goals like that for him if he continues to react like that. He reacted in a way you want a striker to react and thankfully we got the goal.' The Pat's boss sent in Chris Forrester with 11 minutes remaining, for a little piece of St Pat's history. Forrester's 25th European appearance means he has played more times in continental games than anyone else for the Richmond Park outfit. And the man whose record he took, Ian Bermingham, was in Tirana scouting next week's opponents. 'It's been a milestone week for him,' said Kenny. 'Obviously, his 400th appearance last week, and also his 25th today in Europe, which is a record for St Patrick's Athletic. 'His good friend Ian Bermingham, of course, was in Tirana tonight for us as it happens. 'While he was in Tirana, his record was taken away from him by his good friend, Chris. So it's a great achievement, and hopefully, there's more for him there.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lithuania demands explanation from Belarus over downed drone
Lithuania has summoned a Belarusian diplomat over a drone that crashed over the Baltic country, a member of both NATO and the European Union. In a diplomatic note, Lithuania expressed its "strong protest over the unlawful entry" of the unmanned aerial vehicle into Lithuanian airspace. The authoritarian-ruled neighbouring country was asked to provide an explanation of last week's incident, the Foreign Ministry in Vilnius said on Thursday. On July 10, a Russian-made drone from Belarus crashed in Lithuania near the border. It was a so-called Gerbera drone, which resembles the Shahed combat drones used by Russia in its war on Ukraine. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the incident was likely to be linked to an attack on Ukraine. According to the Lithuanian military, the unmanned aerial vehicle was spotted outside the country's territory and crashed a few minutes after crossing the border. The drone, which prompted Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and Parliament Speaker Saulius Skvernelis to take precautionary measures and seek shelter, posed no danger to the population as it was not equipped with explosives, the military said. Lithuanian investigators are now looking into the possible purpose of the drone, which was made of plywood and foam. Discussions are also under way about how to respond to the incident. Solve the daily Crossword
