Lithuania has launched an innovative defense initiative to train over 22,000 individuals, including 7,000 children as young as eight, in drone construction and operation by 2028. The program, developed by the defence and education ministries, uses age-appropriate, game-based learning for young kids and advanced programming for older students, supported with €3.3 million (about US$3.6 million) in equipment and drone control centers.
The move comes as NATO’s relationship with Russia reaches a historic low. Once a more cooperative partnership, ties between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Moscow have deteriorated sharply, now resembling the tense standoff of the Cold War. NATO leaders view Russia as a direct security threat, but repeated warnings and condemnations from the Alliance have so far had little effect on the Kremlin.
So, how has a previously constructive relationship between NATO and Russia turned so fractious? Click through this gallery and find out more about why Russia fell out with NATO.