Tue Oct 14 08:11:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

Amid rising NATO-Russia tensions, Lithuania, bordering Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus, is adapting to a new reality of heightened security concerns. Life in border towns has changed significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with increased military activity, signal jamming, and propaganda efforts from the Russian side. Lithuanians are preparing through paramilitary organizations like the LRU, focusing on defense against traditional and hybrid warfare tactics, including drone attacks. The increasing drone incursions into NATO airspace, allegedly by Russia, are raising serious concerns about safety and the cost of defense. While NATO’s response is debated, Lithuania, drawing on its history of Soviet and Nazi occupations, advocates for a firm stance, emphasizing the need to address airspace violations decisively to deter further escalation from Russia. The country feels more prepared now than in the past, with increased NATO support.

**News Article:**

**Lithuania on Edge as NATO-Russia Tensions Spill Over: Border Town on Frontlines**

*Panemune, Lithuania* – Tensions between NATO and Russia are casting a long shadow over Lithuania, a small Baltic nation bordering Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus. Along the Nemunas River, the contrast is stark: Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and EU flags fly on one side, while across the water in Russia, a prominent “Z” symbol proclaims support for the war in Ukraine.

The once-bustling border crossing near Panemune is now heavily fortified, with vehicle access blocked and anti-tank obstacles in place. Locals remember a time of cross-border trade and easy passage, but those days are gone.

Titas Paulkstelis, a Panemune resident, described recent unusual activity, including signal jamming and a constant stream of Soviet war films playing at an open-air cinema across the river. He’s also heard gunfire and felt the ground shake from military exercises in Kaliningrad.

Across Lithuania, preparations are underway. Membership in the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LRU), a government-backed paramilitary organization, has surged as citizens train for both conventional warfare and hybrid threats, including misinformation and drone attacks. This comes after Lithuania reported Russian military drones launched from Belarus crashed into its territory.

The issue of drone incursions is causing serious concern across NATO. Recent incidents, including airport closures in Germany and potential Russian-linked activity near critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, have sparked debate on how to respond. Lithuania’s former Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis argues that NATO should shoot down any drones entering its airspace, calling them a “dangerous object”. Former Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the financial burden of defending against these incursions.

While Brussels says that Russia has consistently refused to acknowledge responsibility for such incidents. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed accusations that Russia is behind the drone incursions as “sweeping” and “unsubstantiated”.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimates each Russian-made drone costs around $11,800 each; a fraction of what it costs NATO countries to engage its fighters, tanker aircraft, air-to-air missiles and airborne warning and control systems in response.

Despite the escalating tensions, Rasa Jukneviciene, Lithuania’s former Minister of Defence, believes the country is better prepared now than in the past, with increased NATO support. Drawing on Lithuania’s history, she emphasizes the importance of a strong and united response to deter further aggression.

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