A farm in the Cēsis region of Latvia, "Jaunžūras," has become the first in Latvia and the Baltic states to begin raising water buffaloes. The owners plan to develop a new business producing mozzarella cheese and other dairy products from buffalo milk.

LEMONA electronics is experiencing rapid growth in the Baltic states, bringing electronics innovations and global manufacturers, with its "LEMONA Tech 2026" conference also addressing national security.

Following recent drone incidents in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, a Lithuanian news outlet compiled a list of the most promising defense companies to address concerns about future security in the Baltic region.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry representative, Heorhijus Tychyj, issued an apology to the Baltic states via Delfi following recent drone incidents, asserting that Ukraine has never directed drones towards their territory.

Stray drones originating from the Ukraine conflict are increasingly putting Baltic states in the crossfire, raising concerns about regional security.

An episode of Delfi discusses Ambassador Cole's revelations about Lukashenka, the presence of drones in the Baltic states, and Moscow's potential search for a 'casus belli'.

Multiple drone incidents have been reported in the Baltic states over three days, including a drone that allegedly fell into a lake in Lithuania's Varėna district, raising questions about national security.

In Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, station wagons are increasingly seen as versatile family vehicles, challenging the dominance of SUVs, raising questions about how long they will continue to be produced.

Nearly 80 Baltic representatives from over 20 U.S. states gathered in Washington D.C. to advocate for continued U.S. support and security for the Baltic states in Congress.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have announced a joint procurement for regional trains intended for the Rail Baltic project, though the railway's completion timeline remains uncertain.

The Rail Baltica project may be delayed by a decade as Poland and the Baltic states increase defense spending due to fears of a potential Russian attack, potentially diverting funds to existing rail infrastructure improvements.

Last working week, fuel prices continued to rise in the capitals of the Baltic states, with the fastest increase in Riga, according to data compiled by the LETA agency.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused the Baltic states of 'dancing to Zelensky's tune' in response to Lithuania's Foreign Minister's comments about being ashamed to live in a country buying Russian oil.

Renewable energy company Sunly has submitted an application to build the largest data center in the Baltic states in Lääne County, western Estonia, with total construction costs estimated to exceed €1.7 billion.

The Bank of Lithuania is organizing a roundtable discussion on 'Baltic Economic Resilience: Why Investors Stay – and the Faith Behind Investment,' focusing on factors that strengthen investor confidence in the Baltic states.

Laurynas Miškinis will become the new CEO of Auga group, one of the largest organic product manufacturers in the Baltic states, starting from the end of March.

NATO reconnaissance aircraft are flying over Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland to monitor activity along their borders with Russia and Belarus.

NATO fighter jets conducting air policing in the Baltic states scrambled three times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

The Baltic states are arming, training, and preparing for potential war, with one country describing itself as 'like hedgehogs,' as Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine reignites old fears in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that cooperation within the NB8 format, which includes the Nordic and Baltic states, has reached its highest level and is one of the most effective forms of collaboration for Ukraine.

Latvian fact-checking project 'Re:Check' is investigating whether MP Edgars Tavars' claims about other Baltic states being more successful in eradicating phone scammers and reducing their gains are accurate.

Lithuania currently applies the highest excise tax on diesel fuel compared to its neighboring Baltic states, Poland, Germany, and Finland, following significant increases since the beginning of last year.

Ukraine has issued an official apology to the Baltic states after its drones reportedly entered the airspace of the three countries last week.

Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have issued a joint statement calling for the strengthening of NATO's air defence capabilities following recent drone incidents and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.

France announced it will deploy four Rafale fighter jets to Lithuania to provide air protection for the Baltic states over a four-month period.

Lithuanian President Nausėda has urged an urgent upgrade of air defense systems following recent drone incursions across the Baltic states.

Drones, possibly armed with explosives, have flown into all three Baltic states this week, raising concerns about their defense capabilities as none were eliminated before landing.

NATO air policing fighters in the Baltic states scrambled four times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

OWEXX, the largest outdoor screen network in the Baltic states, is expanding its digital outdoor advertising services across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, highlighting its reach in cities like Panevėžys.

Representatives from the Baltic states agreed in Tallinn to jointly procure up to twenty new regional electric trains for the Rail Baltica project.

New data from Swedbank's Financial Health Index shows an improvement in the financial well-being of Lithuanian residents, placing them first among Baltic states, though experts caution about an underlying serious issue.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized Lithuanian diplomacy head Kęstutis Budrys, stating that Lithuania and other Baltic states have long been 'playing to Zelensky's tune' after Budrys criticized Hungary's decisions regarding Russian oil.

Entrepreneur Vasile Tofan presented a model for local public administration reform in Moldova, inspired by Baltic states, which would involve eliminating districts and creating 40 municipalities.

A live broadcast covers the flag-raising ceremony of the three Baltic states in Independence Square, Vilnius, celebrating their shared heritage and sovereignty.

NATO fighter jets conducting air policing in the Baltic states scrambled three times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

A new electricity grid connection is planned in the Baltic Sea between Germany and the Baltic states, with Liepāja being considered as one of the potential connection points to enhance regional energy security.

Klovima has been appointed as the new representative for Mzuri in the Baltic states, forming a partnership aimed at leveraging seeding technologies in the region's agricultural sector.

Drone manufacturing is rapidly developing in Europe and the Baltic states, with increasing adoption in civil sectors such as forest monitoring, logistics, construction control, and goods delivery, making them a daily tool for some businesses in Latvia.

Antanas Kandrotas-Celofanas, a Lithuanian politician previously convicted for financial crimes, spread dangerous misinformation on Facebook about Baltic states allegedly closing their embassies in Russia.

Experts suggest that Vladimir Putin, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, may still attempt to attack the Baltic states, showing disregard for Russian lives.

NATO fighter jets conducting air policing in the Baltic states scrambled four times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

A comparison of prices for goods and services across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia reveals differences despite their proximity, aiming to determine which of the three countries is the most expensive.

A high-pressure ridge will extend from the west across Central Europe towards the Baltic States and northwestern Russia. Simultaneously, a wavy frontal boundary will dissipate in the region.

Kaunas Clinics in Lithuania have become the first in the Baltic States to implement an innovative nuclear medicine method for treating liver tumors, offering new hope for oncology patients with its precise and selective targeting of cancerous tissues.

Ukrainian long-range drones have reportedly crashed in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia over the past week, with experts suggesting they likely flew over Belarus.

Darius Maikštėnas, head of Ignitis Group, advocates for accelerating the electrification of land transport in the Baltic states, stating it could save 6 billion euros annually by completely phasing out fossil fuels, especially as Middle East conflict impacts fuel prices.

Stray drones have reportedly put Baltic states in the crossfire of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Straits Times highlighted the impact on the region.

Lithuania's Deputy Minister of National Defense discussed the allocation of the defense budget and the country's continued lack of anti-drone systems, a topic that has gained urgency following recent drone incidents in the Baltic states.

German professor Carlo Masala, in an interview with Delfi, commented on an 'unusual step' taken in Lithuania and reiterated his view that Baltic states need a backup plan if NATO fails to provide assistance in case of aggression.

A recent Norstat survey across the Baltic states indicates that over 70% of residents, including those in Lithuania, prioritize on-time delivery as the most crucial factor determining their trust in a parcel delivery company.

Lockheed Martin, a major global defense company, announced it will establish a HIMARS rocket artillery system maintenance center in Estonia, which will serve all three Baltic states.

Luminor Bank predicts that Lithuania's gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 3.6% this year, leading the Baltic states, and forecasts a 5% inflation rate for the country.

NATO fighter jets performing air policing functions in the Baltic states scrambled six times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

Former Russian politician and blogger Mark Feigin believes that the Baltic states can ensure their security by deploying nuclear weapons on their territory, arguing that Moscow does not attack countries with such defenses.

IKEA has officially announced the opening date for its first small-format store in Lithuania, located in Klaipėda, following its earlier plans to expand new store formats in the Baltic states.

On Europe’s eastern flank, the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – fear they could become Vladimir Putin’s next target. After several drone incursions from Russia, the three countries are stepping up their defence strategies on the ground and in the air. This report from our colleagues at FRANCE 2 and FRANCE 24’s Guillaume Gougeon.

A study in Lithuania indicates a decrease in the number of residents who believe Russia poses a direct threat to the Baltic states.

Lithuanian intelligence reports that entities with ties to Russia, Belarus, or China, posing a threat to national security, are continuously attempting to advance their interests in strategic sectors in Lithuania and other Baltic states, with 'Achema' being one of the targets.

Aventus Group is expanding its international fintech platform, leveraging the Baltic states' developed digital infrastructure and flexible regulatory environment to grow beyond their domestic markets into regions like Moldova.

An historian discusses the suppression of entrepreneurship in the Soviet Union, particularly in the Baltic states, where initial leniency was followed by widespread nationalization and criminalization of private enterprise.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has raised its economic growth projections for all three Baltic states for the current year.

Organizers of LOGIN, the largest technology and innovation festival in the Baltic States, have announced some of the speakers for this year's jubilee conference, including a director involved in world-renowned works.

The Baltic States are planning to establish their own 'Military Schengen' to facilitate military movement and cooperation, with intentions to link it to an existing network in Western Europe.

Kremlin Mocks European 'Illusions' For Wanting Own Nuclear Umbrella Currently France and Britain are in talks to potentially extend their nuclear arsenals to protect Europe as a defense 'umbrella' - at a moment some officials have questioned the United States commitment to leading NATO. Politico wrote in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, "Multiple European countries are publicly backing talks on a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement American atomic weapons following an erosion of trust in a Donald Trump-led US." Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has issued the Kremlin's reaction to these latest developments, asserting that the British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will fail to provide extra security to other NATO members. Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin, via Al Jazeera screenshot. The diplomat's words were captured in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia on Tuesday. Kelin described that it is "obvious that the British 'nuclear umbrella' will not be able to provide any additional material security guarantees" to Europe. Moscow meanwhile continues to closely monitor the moves by "states pursuing an overtly anti-Russian policy" - he emphasized. "The possibility of the expansion of nuclear safeguards will be taken into account in our military planning as well as in further discussions of the strategic stability issues," the ambassador added. Kelin then took a swipe at Britain's hawkish stance in the context of the Ukraine war: "The strengthening of such potential apparently instills in London an illusory hope of leadership in ensuring European security," he said. Moscow's growing concerns over British policy is in part related to plans to purchase a dozen F-35 fighter jets from the US, capable of carrying missiles tipped with nuclear warheads. Additionally, when the tiny but outspoken Baltic states - directly on Russia's doorstep - try to tout NATO 'nuclear deterrent' talking points, it seems natural that Moscow would be extremely concerned:  Estonia isn’t ruling out joining early-stage talks on a common nuclear deterrent in Europe, Deputy Defense Minister Tuuli Duneton said in an interview. "We are always open to discuss" with partners, she said, while emphasizing the U.S. was still "committed to providing nuclear deterrence for allied nations." Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa echoed that. "Nuclear deterrence can give us new opportunities. Why not?" she said, while cautioning that any steps would have to be in compliance with "our international commitments." NATO top leadership has still signaled no change in direction on the conventional US nuclear umbrella, however. The United States nuclear umbrella, which has protected allies and cut down on the spread of nuclear weapons, is the "ultimate guarantor of freedom" in Europe, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says. "The ultimate guarantor is the nuclear umbrella from the United States," Rutte… pic.twitter.com/8GCU5oc4O6 February 17, 2026 In the backdrop is the fact that that the landmark New START nuclear treaty between Washington and Moscow has ceased to exist as of this month. Russia is offering that it won't expand its arsenal so long as the US does the same. But this is still dangerous, uncharted territory. Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 04:15