Lithuanian prosecutors have charged 13 individuals in connection with two attempted murder plots in Vilnius that authorities allege were orchestrated by Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. The suspects, some arrested in March, are accused of plotting to kill a Lithuanian activist and fundraiser for Ukraine, as well as a Russian dissident advocating for the rights of the Bashkir minority. Police chief Saulius Briginas stated that the group acted in the interests of the GRU and was also linked to an arson attack on Ukraine-bound military equipment in Bulgaria and espionage against Greek military targets.
Broader Hybrid Warfare Concerns
Briginas described these actions as "hybrid-style crimes against European Union countries, their national security, and persons who support Ukraine." Russia's defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Moscow has consistently denied involvement in such operations, though several prosecutions in the UK and elsewhere have revealed participants acting for Russian paymasters. Lithuania previously accused the GRU of parcel bombings in Europe and attempted arson at an Ikea store and a plant supplying radio scanners to Ukraine's army.
Ukraine Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Stolen Grain
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga summoned Israel's ambassador to protest a shipment to Haifa allegedly containing grain stolen from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Ukraine had informed Israel in April about a previous shipment, but Sybiga expressed frustration over Israel's lack of response. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the matter would be examined, emphasizing Israel's commitment to the rule of law. The EU found in 2024 that Russia was illegally appropriating Ukrainian grain and routing it to export markets as Russian products.
Ongoing Drone and Missile Attacks
A Russian drone attack on Odesa wounded 14 people, including two children, while a Ukrainian drone strike killed two in the Russian-occupied Kherson region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia fired approximately 1,900 attack drones, 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 60 missiles in the past week. He also announced a massive scale-up of ground robot production, with 25,000 units ordered for this year, double the 2025 figure, to deliver supplies, evacuate wounded, and fire automatic weapons.
International Support and Ukrainian Strikes
Zelenskyy highlighted positive developments: NATO partners (excluding the US) contributed to a financial arrangement for US weapons, the EU approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, and the EU plans more sanctions on Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued striking Russian oil terminals and refineries with long-range drones and missiles. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed at least 10 strikes on Russian oil and gas infrastructure in the past two weeks. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to build a "drone armada" with Ukraine's help to defend Poland and Europe.
