Nuclear Policy Shock: Lithuania’s parliament is preparing to remove a Cold War-era constitutional ban on hosting weapons of mass destruction, with the change planned for early 2027—prompting Kremlin warnings that any Russian nuclear weapons would be aimed at Lithuania. Drone Security in Focus: President Gitanas Nausėda says a Russian “Gerbera” drone shot down over central Lithuania was likely meant for Ukraine and diverted by electronic warfare, while police also investigated a separate crashed drone near Keneliai that appeared not to match common Russian models. Belarus Prisoner Swap: Released political prisoners arrived in Vilnius as Belarus agreed to free 25 people in exchange for US easing of sanctions, with US envoy John Coale saying he hopes for “hundreds” more soon. EU Hybrid Response: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an emergency, NATO-style mechanism for any member state to trigger coordinated action against sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions. US-Russia Plotting Claims: The US Justice Department charged five alleged Russian intelligence operatives over murder-for-hire and attack plots targeting dissidents and Ukraine-supporting countries, including alleged plans involving Lithuania. Local Economy Watch: Eurostat data showed Lithuania’s industrial production fell in July, while labour costs rose sharply in the second quarter.