Latvia is closing its airspace along its eastern borders with Belarus and Russia from September 11th to September 18th, 2025, to enhance air defense capabilities and drone monitoring. The restriction, extending up to 6,000 meters in altitude and covering a 50-kilometer zone, allows full control for air defense units and NATO patrols, according to Defense Minister Andris Sprūds, who stated the measure strengthens national security and readiness amid ongoing regional drone threats. This development follows airspace breaches in Poland and coincides with heightened tensions and military exercises in the region. Russian milbloggers reported on September 8th that Ukraine used jet-powered drones resembling cruise missiles, as well as "Peklo" drones and ADM-160 MALD decoys, in strikes on Donetsk and Makiivka. The following day, a jet drone was intercepted over the Black Sea during missile alerts in Crimea. Russian sources indicate Ukraine is combining regular drones, MALD decoys, and jet-powered drones for strikes. NATO recently launched its "Eastern Sentry" operation, involving Denmark, France, and Germany, to bolster regional security following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. U.S. President Donald Trump has also escalated rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening sanctions. In parallel, U.S. senators introduced legislation to designate Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism. Separately, Lithuania will conduct simultaneous exercises to ensure its security during the Russia-Belarus military exercise "Zapad 2025," which involves up to 30,000 troops.
