Lithuania and Estonia have officially closed their airspace in response to the ongoing joint military drills conducted by Russia and Belarus, known as “Zapad 2025.” This decision was enacted today, September 13, 2025, as both Baltic nations aim to bolster their security amid rising tensions in the region.
The airspace closures follow similar restrictions implemented by Poland and Latvia earlier this week, bringing the total number of countries enforcing airspace limitations during the exercises to four. The drills, which are expected to last several days, have raised concerns among neighboring countries about potential military aggression.
Background on the situation reveals that the “Zapad” exercises are a recurring event, with the last major drills occurring in 2021. These military exercises typically involve large troop movements and the testing of various military capabilities, often drawing scrutiny from NATO countries. The current geopolitical climate, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has heightened fears about Russia"s intentions in Eastern Europe.
The impact of these airspace closures could lead to increased military readiness in the region and heighten tensions between NATO and Russia. As previously reported, the international community remains vigilant, watching for any signs of escalation during these exercises. Lithuania and Estonia"s proactive measures underscore their commitment to regional security in the face of potential threats from Russia. For more on recent developments, see our related coverage.
