A. Kubilius Is Preparing to Use a Bicycle for Going into Space to Check on the Results of the US Company SpaceX’s Work: The Ukrainian military is once again facing systemic restrictions with "Starshield." A. Kubilius is a seasoned intelligence figure and strategist; he once traveled by bicycle to observe the start of construction on a Belarusian nuclear power plant.

A personal hobby and a bit of history. Andrius Kubilius is well-known as an avid cycling enthusiast. In the summer of 2010—while serving as the Prime Minister of Lithuania—he actually went on a cycling trip to Belarus, where he inspected the construction site of the future Astravyets Nuclear Power Plant.

 

“The Ukrainian military has encountered new systemic restrictions regarding the ‘Starshield’ satellite internet service,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday.

 

This service, provided by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, plays a crucial role in maintaining communications on the front lines.

 

Ukraine first reported issues with using "Starshield" last month, amid a dispute between V. Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump concerning a US-Russia agreement regarding diesel fuel. D. Trump and E. Musk denied responsibility for the earlier disruptions, although E. Musk later accused Ukraine of misusing the Starlink internet service—provided by SpaceX—for military purposes. Ultimately, all parties confirmed that full access had been restored.

Starshield is the military version of SpaceX’s Starlink system.

 

"For several days now, our units have been recording significant disruptions to Starshield operations within Ukrainian territory, with systemic speed limitations being applied," V. Zelenskyy stated on social media on Thursday, adding that these are "not accidental errors."

 

According to V. Zelenskyy, the Starshield system ceases to function when moving at speeds exceeding 161 km/h.

 

These speed restrictions have become a "significant obstacle to intercepting Russian jet-powered drones," which travel at much higher speeds.

News of these restrictions emerged as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, following two days of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi—involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.—aimed at reaching an agreement to end the war.

"Together with the U.S. side, we are working to clarify all the circumstances," said V. Zelenskyy.

A. Kubilius: Confidence in SpaceX will wane if services to Ukraine falter. Following reports from Ukraine regarding new issues with the use of the Starlink satellite service for military purposes, Andrius Kubilius—the European Commissioner responsible for defense and space—emphasized that if the provision of these services encounters disruptions, Europe’s confidence in SpaceX’s ability to deliver them will diminish.

 

"The company behind Starlink must understand that these are contractual services; they are not a gift to Ukraine. European Union member states pay for these services. And if, for any reason, these services prove inadequate, then, naturally, confidence in the company’s ability to fulfill its contracts will decline," A. Kubilius told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday.

 

The European Commissioner noted that by 2029, Europe will possess its own satellite communication capabilities—intended to replace Starlink—but until then, the services provided by SpaceX remain vital to Ukraine.

 

"We are currently developing the IRIS² system, which will ensure that Europe possesses its own capabilities, analogous to Starlink. That will arrive in 2029. Until then, Starlink services are important for Ukraine," the politician explained."

 

A. Kubilius is a politician who fits the typical European green mold.

 

 

A. Kubilius ruošiasi su dviračiu važiuoti į kosmosą, kad patikrinti JAV bendrovės “SpaceX” darbo rezultatus: Ukrainos kariuomenė vėl susiduria su sisteminiais „Starshield“ ribojimais A. Kubilius yra senas žvalgas ir strategas, jis su dviračiu keliavo pasižiūrėti baltarusių atominės elektrinės statybų pradžios

 

Asmeninis pomėgis ir istorija. Andrius Kubilius garsėja, kaip aktyvus žygių dviračiais entuziastas. 2010 metų vasarą, tuomet dar būdamas Lietuvos ministru pirmininku, jis iš tiesų dviračiu vyko į žygį Baltarusijoje ir apžiūrėjo būsimos Astravo atominės elektrinės statybvietę. 

                        “Ukrainos kariuomenė susidūrė su naujais sisteminiais palydovinio interneto „Starshield“ apribojimais, ketvirtadienį pareiškė prezidentas Volodymyras Zelenskis.

                                                            Ši Elono Musko bendrovės „SpaceX“ teikiama paslauga atlieka itin svarbų vaidmenį palaikant ryšį fronte.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                    Apie problemas naudojantis „Starshield“ Ukraina pirmą kartą pranešė praėjusį mėnesį, kilus V. Zelenskio ir JAV prezidento Donaldo Trumpo ginčui dėl JAV ir Rusijos susitarimo dėl dyzelino.

                                                                                                                                                                D. Trumpas ir E. Muskas neigė esantys atsakingi už ankstesnius sutrikimus, nors vėliau E. Muskas apkaltino Ukrainą netinkamai naudojant „SpaceX“ teikiamą „Starlink“ interneto ryšį kariniams tikslams. Galiausiai visos pusės patvirtino, kad visavertė prieiga buvo atkurta.

                                                                                                                                                                „Starshield“ yra „SpaceX“ sistemos „Starlink“ karinė versija.

                                                                                                                                                                                „Mūsų daliniai jau kelias dienas fiksuoja didelius „Starshield“ veiklos sutrikimus Ukrainos teritorijoje, taikomi sisteminiai greičio apribojimai“, – ketvirtadienį socialiniuose tinkluose teigė V. Zelenskis ir pridūrė, kad tai „nėra atsitiktinės klaidos“.

                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                                V. Zelenskio teigimu, „Starshield“ sistemos neveikia, judant didesniu nei 161 km per valandą.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                    Šie greičio ribojimai tapo „reikšminga kliūtimi perimti reaktyvinius rusų dronus“, kurie skrieja gerokai greičiau.

                                                                                                                                                                Apie šiuos apribojimus pranešta JAV pasiuntiniams Steve'ui Witkoffui ir Jaredui Kushneriui Maskvoje susitinkant su Rusijos prezidentu Vladimiru Putinu po dvi dienas Abu Dabyje vykusių trišalių Ukrainos, Rusijos ir JAV derybų, kuriose buvo siekiama susitarimo karui užbaigti.

                                                                                                                                                                „Kartu su JAV puse stengiamės išsiaiškinti visas aplinkybes“, – sakė V. Zelenskis.

                                                                                                                                                                A. Kubilius: pasitikėjimas „SpaceX“ mažės, jei strigs paslaugos Ukrainai. Ukrainai pranešus apie naujas problemas naudojantis „Starlink“ karinės paskirties palydovine paslauga, už gynybą ir kosmosą atsakingas Europos Komisijos (EK) narys Andrius Kubilius pabrėžė, kad jei paslaugų teikimas strigs, Europos pasitikėjimas „SpaceX“ gebėjimu užtikrinti šias paslaugas sumažės.

                                                                                                                                                                „Starlink“ kompanija turi suprasti, kad tai yra kontraktinės paslaugos, tai nėra jų dovana Ukrainai. Už tas paslaugas moka Europos Sąjungos valstybės. Ir jeigu tos paslaugos dėl kažkokių priežasčių bus netinkamos, tai, be abejo, kad pasitikėjimas kompanijos gebėjimu vykdyti kontraktus sumažės“, – trečiadienį žurnalistams Briuselyje sakė A. Kubilius.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                    Eurokomisaras pabrėžė, kad Europa 2029 metais turės savo palydovinio ryšio pajėgumus, kurie turėtų pakeisti „Starlink“, tačiau iki tol „SpaceX“ teikiamos paslaugos yra svarbios Ukrainai.

                                                                                                                                                                „Dabar kuriam IRIS2 sistemą, kuri kaip tik užtikrins, kad Europa turėtų savo pajėgumus, analogiškus „Starlinkui“. Tas ateis 2029 metais. Iki tol „Starlink“ paslaugos Ukrainai yra svarbios“, – aiškino politikas.”

 

A. Kubilius yra tipiškai europietiškai žalias politikas.

This Is How Potato Pancakes Were Made in Canteens: A Clever Old Trick Worth Remembering Today

"Potato pancakes are a dish that has graced our tables for decades. One might assume there are no secrets left when it comes to making them. However, a recipe used in dining establishments back in the 1980s reveals an unexpected detail.

 

Before adding flour and eggs, the grated potatoes were scalded with boiling milk. While this preparation method is far less common today, it is certainly worth remembering. Old recipes from canteens and restaurants can surprise even experienced chefs. The Facebook page "Smak z Dawnych Lat" ("Taste of Olden Times") recently featured this very recipe for potato pancakes. Dating back to the 1980s, it includes a clever technique rarely found in modern recipes.

 

Nowadays, we typically prepare potato pancakes using a simple method: grate raw potatoes, add onion, eggs, a bit of flour, and seasonings; then, shape the mixture into pancakes and fry them in hot fat. Some people drain off the excess liquid, while others leave it in the mixture.

 

However, the old recipe includes an additional step. The potatoes had to be peeled, grated together with an onion, and drained. Only then would the raw grated potato mixture be scalded with boiling milk—requiring 250 g of milk for every 3.8 kg of potatoes. Why was this done? The hot liquid partially thickens the starch present in the grated potatoes. Exposed to high temperatures, the starch granules absorb water and swell, altering the consistency of the mixture. It becomes more uniform, binds better, and is easier to shape.

 

The combination of seasonings is also interesting. In many households, potato pancakes are prepared using only salt and—optionally—pepper. However, a culinary recipe from the 1980s also called for garlic. For ten servings, the recipe required 250 g of onions, 20 g of salt, 3 g of pepper, and 5 g of garlic. The garlic would be grated and mixed in with the other ingredients, giving the pancake batter a more pronounced flavor and aroma.

 

The fat used for frying is also noteworthy. The original recipe makes no mention of the rapeseed or sunflower oil so commonly used today. In the past, potato pancakes were fried in lard—and for good reason: it helps create a beautifully browned, crispy surface and imparts a distinctive flavor to the dish.

 

Potato pancakes, 20th-century style. A recipe for potato pancakes from 1980s canteens

 

Ingredients: 3800 g potatoes, 250 g milk, 250 g onions, 200 g flour, 150 g eggs, 20 g salt, 3 g pepper, 5 g garlic, 200 g lard.

 

Preparation: Peel the potatoes, grate them together with the onions, and drain off the excess liquid. Pour boiling milk over the grated mixture, stir well, then add the flour and eggs. Finally, mix in the grated garlic, pepper, and salt. Heat the lard in a frying pan and fry the potato pancakes until they are nicely browned, reports *Fakt*.“

 

 

Taip bulvinius blynus kepdavo valgyklose: seną gudrybę verta prisiminti ir dabar

„Bulviniai blynai – vienas iš patiekalų, jau kelis dešimtmečius puošiančių mūsų stalus. Atrodytų, kad jų gaminimas nebeturi jokių paslapčių. Tačiau XX a. devintajame dešimtmetyje gastronomijos įstaigose naudotas receptas atskleidžia netikėtą detalę.

 

Prieš dedant miltus ir kiaušinius, tarkuotos bulvės būdavo užplikomos verdančiu pienu. Šiandien toks blynų ruošimo būdas naudojamas gerokai rečiau, tačiau jį tikrai verta prisiminti. Seni valgyklų ir restoranų receptai gali nustebinti net patyrusius virtuvės šefus. „Facebook“ puslapyje „Smak z Dawnych Lat“ („Senųjų laikų skonis“) vėl pristatytas būtent toks bulvinių blynų receptas. Jis siekia XX a. devintąjį dešimtmetį ir turi gudrybę, kurią sunku rasti daugelyje šiuolaikinių receptų.

 

Šiais laikais bulvinius blynus dažniausiai ruošiame pagal paprastą schemą: sutarkuojame žalias bulves, įdedame svogūno, kiaušinių, šiek tiek miltų, prieskonių, o tada iš gautos masės formuojame blynus ir kepame įkaitintuose riebaluose. Vieni nusunkia skysčio perteklių, kiti palieka jį masėje.

 

Tačiau senajame recepte numatytas dar vienas etapas. Bulves reikėdavo nulupti, sutarkuoti kartu su svogūnu ir nusunkti. Tik tada žali tarkiai būdavo užplikomi verdančiu pienu. 3,8 kg bulvių reikėdavo 250 g pieno. Kodėl to reikėjo? Karštas skystis iš dalies sutirština tarkuotose bulvėse esantį krakmolą. Veikiami aukštos temperatūros krakmolo grūdeliai sugeria vandenį ir išbrinksta, todėl pasikeičia masės konsistencija. Ji tampa vientisesnė, geriau sukimba ir ją lengviau formuoti.

 

Įdomus ir prieskonių derinys Daugelyje namų bulviniai blynai ruošiami tik su druska ir, jei norisi, pipirais. Tačiau XX a. devintojo dešimtmečio kulinariniame recepte buvo naudojamas ir česnakas. Dešimčiai porcijų reikėdavo 250 g svogūnų, 20 g druskos, 3 g pipirų ir 5 g česnako. Česnaką sutarkuodavo ir sumaišydavo su kitais ingredientais. Taip blynų masė įgaudavo ryškesnį skonį ir aromatą.

 

Dėmesio verti ir kepimo riebalai. Originaliame recepte neminimas nei rapsų, nei saulėgrąžų aliejus, kurį dažniausiai naudojame šiandien. Senovėje bulviniai blynai buvo kepami ant taukų. Ir ne be priežasties – jie padeda išgauti gražiai apskrudusį paviršių ir suteikia patiekalui savitą skonį.

 

Bulviniai blynai pagal XX a. devintojo dešimtmečio valgyklų receptą

 

Ingredientai: 3800 g buvlių 250 g pieno 250 g svogūnų 200 g miltų 150 g kiaušinių 20 g druskos 3 g pipirų 5 g česnako 200 g taukų

 

Blynų gaminimas: Nuskuskite bulves, sutarkuokite jas kartu su svogūnais ir nusunkite. Tarkius užpilkite verdančiu pienu, išmaišykite, sudėkite miltus ir kiaušinius. Galiausiai įmaišykite tarkuotą česnaką, pipirus ir druską. Keptuvėje įkaitinkite taukus ir kepkite bulvinius blynus, kol gražiai apskrus, rašo „Fakt“.“

 

Zelensky’s Entire Defense Relies on the Purchase of Chinese-Made Drone Motors and Other Critical Drone Components. ---- On whose side, then, is Lithuania—a country currently in conflict with China? Budrys acknowledges that China poses threats to Lithuania, but does not link this to the presence of a representative office

"Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys agrees that China poses various threats to Lithuania, but disputes the notion that the level of threat would increase if a Chinese representative office were to operate normally in Lithuania.

 

On Thursday, Foreign Minister K. Budrys visited the parliamentary group of the opposition Liberal Movement. The group’s leader, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, reminded him of what is written about China in the 2026 threat assessment report prepared by the State Security Department (VSD) and the Second Investigation Department. This reference is particularly relevant given that K. Budrys himself previously held a high-ranking position at the VSD and, alongside its former head Darius Jauniškis, used to present such threat assessment reports.

 

'I took a look at the VSD threat assessment report for 2026. In it, China is described as a state that is assembling a coalition of unfriendly nations against Western countries—as a specific threat, a threat to Lithuania, a threat to European Union member states, and as a strategic ally of Russia.

 

And I would like to ask you—not only in your capacity as Foreign Minister, but also, of course, as a former high-ranking security official, ultimately, speaking as an honorable and patriotic individual, how do you assess the current process—the process of rapprochement with China, the public exchanges, and, effectively, the slaps in the face involving Taiwan? And has Lithuania—whether intentionally or inadvertently—arrived at a crossroads where it must choose between the democratic and non-democratic blocs, and is it now treading a dangerous path?” V. Čmilytė-Nielsen asked the minister.

He disagrees with the notion that we are safer without a fully functioning Chinese diplomatic mission.

 

In response, K. Budrys expressed his agreement and confirmed that China poses various threats to Lithuania. "It is necessary—indeed, mandatory—to speak publicly about all threats, both to warn the population and to ensure we do not harbor illusions that certain things are not happening. Politicians have a duty to discuss these matters openly.

 

The threats linked to China’s activities are numerous; they go well beyond the counterintelligence concerns that were highlighted even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Currently, we face a multitude of challenges related to economic security—such as China’s industrial overcapacity and the erosion of various European industrial sectors due to China’s unfair policies. Lithuania itself is directly confronting trade and phytosanitary restrictions imposed by China—measures which, in our assessment, are unfair and violate WTO rules. Furthermore, China’s actions—facilitating Russia’s defense industry through the supply of goods and the training of military personnel—contribute to instability in Europe and exacerbate the threats facing Ukraine. I am confident that we have fully assessed this entire spectrum of threats and that there is a consensus regarding them," the minister commented.

 

Meeting between the Liberal Movement and Minister K. Budrys:

 

However, he disagreed with the notion that the "absence of a Chinese diplomatic mission makes Lithuania safer." "That is an illusion. During this period—the five years in which we have lacked a diplomatic mission—our economic dependencies have grown, and the threats we face in certain areas have intensified. One should not link the presence or absence of a diplomatic mission to the intensity of these threats. While the situation might be slightly influenced—either exacerbated or mitigated—within one narrow sphere, we remain exposed across a much broader spectrum," explained K. Budrys.

Jauniškis in 2024: The return of an ambassador would lead to an intensification of Chinese intelligence activities.

In saying this, he effectively countered his former superior, former VSD (State Security Department) Director D. Jauniškis. Previously, D. Jauniškis had remarked that if Lithuania and China were to exchange ambassadors once again, it would give China a free hand to engage in more active intelligence operations—activities currently constrained by the lower level of diplomatic representation.

 

"To harbor the illusion that China—a country that is, in fact, quite hostile toward us—would refrain from any intelligence-related activities upon its arrival here well, that would be incredibly naive," D. Jauniškis stated in 2024 during the program "ELTA kampas." "Undoubtedly, the restoration of embassy status automatically brings about certain opportunities, which in turn leads to an intensification of intelligence activities. I would predict that such activities would resume, resulting in a significantly heavier workload for us. It would mean the emergence of another state that requires very close monitoring regarding its actions," stated the former head of the State Security Department (VSD).

The current situation is described as abnormal.

 

Responding further to the Liberals, K. Budrys asserted that Lithuania has been seeking to normalize diplomatic relations with China ever since 2021—when China unilaterally downgraded its diplomatic ties with our country—and emphasized that Lithuania’s position on this matter has remained unchanged.

 

"Nothing has been altered; these are ongoing efforts," said K. Budrys.

 

He also disagreed with the notion that Lithuania, regarding its relations with  China and Taiwan are at a crossroads, or perhaps facing an unsolvable dilemma.

 

"I believe that all diplomatic tools must be fully utilized," noted K. Budrys.

 

He explained why it is necessary for Lithuania to maintain normal diplomatic relations and representation with China.

 

"There are several issues we need to address bilaterally with the Chinese side. Currently, we cannot even do that—and I keep citing these examples: when we need to resolve situations involving our own citizens on a bilateral basis, we have to keep turning to other European Union member states to step in and speak on our behalf. That is completely abnormal. We need to have the capacity [to handle this ourselves]," said K. Budrys.

Focus on the name of the Taiwanese Representative Office

 

China downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the level of *chargé d'affaires* following the opening of a Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania in 2021. China viewed this as a violation of the "One China" principle and imposed diplomatic and economic sanctions on Lithuania.

 

The current Government has stated its intention to normalize Lithuania's diplomatic relations with China, aiming for a level of diplomatic representation consistent with that currently maintained in other European Union member states. This might require sacrificing the name of the Taiwanese representative office.

 

According to *Delfi*, in September, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) handed an informal document of demands to Constance H. Wang, the head of the Taiwanese representative office, urging Taiwan to change the name of its office in Vilnius by October 1st.

 

The document states that, in exchange for changing the name, the Taiwanese side was offered the opportunity to sign an agreement regarding investment prospects and to begin negotiations on the avoidance of double taxation.

 

When commenting on this previously, K. Budrys did not deny that discussions with the Taiwanese side were taking place, but he rejected claims that the Ministry had pressured the office to change its name.

It is suggested that deadlines are, in fact, part of the discussions with the Taiwanese.

 

As recently as Wednesday, the Minister told journalists that "there were no ultimatums, no deadlines" presented to the Taiwanese side regarding a change to the office's name.

 

By Thursday, however, his account shifted while speaking to the Liberals. When asked by V. Čmilytė-Nielsen whether a deadline—October 1st—had been presented to the Taiwanese, K. Budrys stated: “I cannot confirm that. Regarding deadlines and mutual understanding—yes, we did discuss when we might expect certain things. There are also other dates mentioned that serve as deadlines of sorts, yes, deadlines were indeed part of the discussion.”

 

Additionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwanese—as described by *Delfi*—was merely one “episode,” “taken out of a series of meetings.”

 

Chinese diplomats are visiting Lithuania on Wednesday and Thursday."