Oct 21, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

In Geneva, 128 nations reached an agreement defining autonomous weapon systems, advancing international efforts toward regulating automated warfare. The development follows joint warnings from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross cautioning against machines autonomously targeting humans.

Simultaneously, western military forces continue adopting artificial intelligence. Germany’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that semi-autonomous systems may perform operational tasks without human involvement at every stage, provided human leadership retains ultimate force authority. Germany also decided against using software from US contractor Palantir, opting to develop an internal data analytics platform.

Additionally, Ukraine and NATO have jointly created AI systems to forecast enemy drone trajectories and improve artillery targeting during combat operations.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Der Standard, Die Zeit, Hartpunkt.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has called on the public not to panic following the deployment of additional troops along the border with Russia. Nausėda emphasized that early preparation is essential to prevent potential provocations and operational risks, noting that proactive security measures are preferable to responding after an incident occurs.

Beyond border security, Nausėda acknowledged limitations in Lithuania's air defense capabilities and noted delays in joint drone manufacturing initiatives with Ukraine. He also expressed frustration over internal conduct issues within the Ministry of National Defence, warning that recent controversies could cause long-term reputational damage. Additionally, Nausėda called for systemic infrastructure improvements after recent severe weather exposed gaps in national emergency management.

Sources: 15min, LSM.

Ukraine's outgoing Prosecutor General, Ruslan Kravchenko, announced criminal charges against Semen Kryvonos, the director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). In a video statement, Kravchenko accused Kryvonos of forging official documents for large-scale financial gain and arranging a sham adoption to avoid trial. Media reports indicated that Kravchenko departed Ukraine in a government vehicle shortly after making the claims.

In a joint response, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) denied that Kryvonos had received an official notice of suspicion. Anti-graft authorities characterized Kravchenko's statement as an attempt to block a high-profile investigation into an alleged criminal group that includes current and former MPs, alongside senior figures in the President’s Office. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on parliament to rapidly confirm Kravchenko’s dismissal.

Sources: NEXTA, OCCRP, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Azerbaijan is advancing efforts to expand the mandate of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), transforming the regional bloc beyond its traditional focus on cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Addressing recent diplomatic gatherings in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev outlined a unified strategy aimed at aligning the political, economic, energy, and security interests of member nations. Under this framework, Azerbaijan aims to serve as a central hub for integrating strategic transport corridors and defense ties across Turkic states.

The initiative comes as Baku hosts several high-level religious and political meetings to deepen regional cohesion. The policy shift aims to boost the group's international influence and secure critical supply lines across Eurasia.

Sources: Trend News Agency.