EU Sanctions Push: The EU is set to approve a record batch of 250 individual sanctions against Russia tied to civilian attacks, while Lithuania urges tougher energy-related measures and warns against watering them down. Ukraine Support: Lithuanian FM Kęstutis Budrys says Ukraine needs urgent energy help before winter, including transformers and generators, as Russian strikes keep hitting critical infrastructure. Baltic Security & Courts: A Lithuanian-led investigation says Russia’s ICJ case over “ethnic Russians” is being prepared by people linked to Russian intelligence, raising fresh concerns about legal warfare. Defense Infrastructure: The EIB has completed a €290m financing package for Lithuania’s Rūdninkai NATO military base, aiming for operations by end-2027. Ukraine EU Talks: Lithuania says the sixth EU negotiating cluster for Ukraine opens July 14, while the rest are delayed until autumn. South China Sea: 14 countries including Lithuania reaffirm the 2016 arbitration ruling as final and legally binding; China rejects it and summons Japan. Local Border Moves: Lithuania will send a second group of border guards to assist Latvia, as the new interior minister also floats temporary controls on the Latvia border. Public Health: Lithuania ranks among Europe’s worst-affected for drug use, with nitazenes and carfentanil found widely in syringe residue tests. Telecom: Lithuania’s regulator confirms winners of the 700/1500/2100 MHz spectrum auction. Sports: Lithuania’s basketball scene is in focus at the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, where Gal Raviv set record-breaking scoring and efficiency marks.