We are proud to announce that the GSSC will be visible among the top international think tanks at #NATOSummit2025 in The Hague! Tomorrow, our Center's director Linas Kojala will be moderating the discussion “NATO’s Eastern Flank: Ready Enough, Soon Enough?” as part of the “NATO in the Huis” event, which brings together policymakers, military leaders, experts, and private sector voices from around the world for dynamic discussions. We are also delighted that Linas Kojala, will be speaking at the #NATOPublicForum.

We are proud to announce that the @gssc-lt.bsky.social will be visible among the top international think tanks at #NATOSummit2025 in The Hague! Tomorrow, our Center's director @linaskojala.bsky.social will be moderating the discussion: “NATO’s Eastern Flank: Ready Enough, Soon Enough?”.

Sharing moments from the discussion hosted by the @gssc-lt.bsky.social on June 24 in The Hague, held as part of the NATO in the Huis event titled ’NATO’s Eastern Flank: Ready Enough, Soon Enough?’. @linaskojala.bsky.social moderated the discussion.
Photo credits: MSC/SimonThe @munsecconf.bsky.social

Today, GSSC concluded its summer events season with a discussion titled “Strategic Partnership: The Lithuania-France Dialogue in Europe.” The event featured Lithuania’s Ambassador to France, @apranckevicius.bsky.social, and was moderated by the center’s director, @linaskojala.bsky.social.

🇺🇸🇱🇹 In Lithuania today, thousands lined up—some in tears—to honor four US soldiers lost in a tragic accident.

A powerful reminder: the transatlantic bond isn’t just about security—it’s about real people, real respect, and deep gratitude. #StrongerTogether #Lithuania #US

How should Britain step up to enhance European security? The Big Ask | No. 12.2025

How should 🇬🇧 step up to enhance European security?

We asked 9 experts👇

✍️ @willfreer.bsky.social @henninghoff.bsky.social @linaskojala.bsky.social Aleksandra Kozioł @philippelefevre.bsky.social @mcnamara-eoin.bsky.social @lscazzieri.bsky.social George Scutaru and Dr Victoria Vdovychenko

#BigAsk

🪖 ‘One promising opportunity is the #JEF. While it is still defining its role within the security architecture, it could become a valuable strategic tool – especially if 🇺🇦 is involved,’ writes @linaskojala.bsky.social, @gssc-lt.bsky.social

#BritainsWorld #BigAsk

Ukraine: Was wird in Saudi-Arabien verhandelt? In Saudi-Arabien finden Gespräche darüber statt, wie Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine enden könnte.

"Die Macht der USA in der Welt wird schwinden."

Trumps Rücksichtslosigkeit im Umgang mit langjährigen Partnern stärkt die strategische Position Chinas und Russlands, analysiert @linaskojala.bsky.social bei LRT aus Litauen 🔽

Ukraine talks: what's on the table in Saudi Arabia? Talks aimed at finding a way to end Russia's war against Ukraine are underway in Saudi Arabia.

"The US's power in the world will dwindle."

Trump's ruthlessness in dealing with long-standing partners strengthens the strategic position of China and Russia, according to @linaskojala.bsky.social's analysis in LRT

“Europe has the potential to be a major geopolitical force, but it must prove it by expressing self-confidence and stepping out of the usual decision-making process.“- Linas Kojala

Director @linaskojala.bsky.social shares insights on Transatlantic Relations with #CarnegieEurope
More in the comments

Taking the Pulse: Is the Transatlantic Relationship at a Breaking Point? Trump’s overtures to Putin and his administration’s sharp rebukes of Europe have sent shockwaves through the continent. Can the transatlantic alliance be salvaged—and can Europeans take charge of thei...

The transatlantic partnership is in our interest but it’s at a turning point. Rather than hand-wringing, time to muscle up.
🔹seize $300bn in frozen Russian assets & use them to arm Ukraine
🔹boost defence spending & industry now
🔹no new Yalta.

@carnegieendowment.org
@rmomtaz.bsky.social

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia take a bold step today by disconnecting from the BRELL electricity grid controlled by Russia and transitioning to a EU network.

We regained our independence over 30 years ago, but severing all structural ties is lengthy. Today marks a historic milestone.

6/ Bottom line: Anyone claiming to know exactly what Trump will do on Ukraine likely knows more than Trump himself. This ambiguity could mean hope for those advocating for sustained support.

5/ Optimistic Note: Trump offered no clear policy commitments regarding Ukraine. While this uncertainty might seem unhelpful, it leaves the door open to continued U.S. support. The scope for potential actions remains broad.

4/ These points align closely with narratives promoted by Russia, making them troubling from Ukraine’s perspective.

3/ Concerning #2: The repeated narratives aren’t favorable for Ukraine.

- Trump blamed NATO’s open-door policy toward Ukraine for provoking Putin’s aggression.
- He suggested a peace deal could’ve been struck but claimed (inaccurately) Biden prioritized NATO membership for Ukraine instead.

2/ Concerning #1: Trump repeats the same statements he's made in the past about Ukraine. Even the sentence structures remain unchanged. This suggests Ukraine is not a priority in his internal considerations, unlike other topics where his interest and enthusiasm are clearer.

1/ 🚨 Insights from Trump’s press conference on Ukraine: Three key takeaways – two concerning, one cautiously optimistic. A thread 🧵:

Russia’s Ministry of Finance has announced a 17% hike in the minimum vodka price starting January 1.

When it comes to sanctions, focus on the most sensitive sectors.

The U.S. spends twice as much on defense as Russia does on everything.

Russia’s planned entire 2025 budget: $415B

U.S. defense budget alone (FY2025): $895B

Update. A larger number of Russian transport aircraft can now be seen at Khmeimim. The S-400 battery is packing up for transport. The tactical aviation is still there, but there is a withdrawal under way.

Brief updated thoughts on RF in Syria. Russian navy seems to be parked 8-13km off Tartus concerned about ship vulnerability. Russian forces are assembling in Khmeimim airbase for what looks like a drawdown with several An-124 having made pick ups there in recent days. 1/