Lithuania has closed its airspace near the Belarusian border in preparation for the ‘Zapad-2025’ military exercises, a joint Russian-Belarusian drill scheduled to take place from September 12 to 16. The closure is a precautionary measure to mitigate risks associated with the large-scale military activity. Minsk has stated that the exercises are designed to test the collective security and defensive capabilities of both nations, emphasizing their commitment to mutual defense against potential aggression.
The decision by Lithuania to restrict airspace near Belarus has raised concerns in the region, particularly regarding the potential for unintended clashes during the drills. Analysts note that such closures are often taken to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft and to prevent the escalation of tensions. This move underscores the growing security concerns in the region, where the proximity of NATO members to Russian and Belarusian military assets has led to increased vigilance.