NATO Chiefs of Staff discussed recent airspace violations by Russian forces. The President of Latvia called for strengthening air defense and transforming Baltic air policing into an air defense mission.
German company Rheinmetall and the Latvian state defense corporation are establishing a joint venture for the production of ammunition in Latvia. Investments in the project will amount to €275 million, which will allow the production of tens of thousands of artillery shells annually.
Ukraine has expressed its readiness to participate in the "Drone Wall" project, initiated by the European Commission, and to play an active role in protecting Europe from the Russian drone threat. Kyiv expects to sign a joint declaration with partners in October and is ready to share its experience in the field of unmanned technologies.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that Russian planes provoking NATO should be shot down when entering the Alliance's airspace. He commented on the interception of five Russian military aircraft near the Latvian border by Hungarian fighters.
A Russian fighter jet flew over a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called a provocation. He compared the incident to recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia seeks a world where brute force prevails over international law. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for international order, and Russia has accomplices such as Iran and North Korea.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia's invasion of European airspace indicates a threat of destabilization for all European countries. He emphasized the growing "disagreements" that hinder the global order.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that NATO must be ready to use force in response to Russia's actions. This will help prevent future airspace violations, especially if Russian aircraft continue to violate NATO airspace.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
President Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly announced a resolution condemning Russia's abduction of children. A pilot mechanism for tracing deported children has been launched with the support of a number of countries, including Austria, Latvia, and Estonia.
The NATO Council condemned Russia's dangerous violation of Estonian airspace on September 19, calling it part of irresponsible behavior. The Alliance expressed solidarity with member countries and reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
Large-scale state anti-terrorist exercises Dinaburg 2025, led by the State Security Service, are being held for the first time in Latgale. More than 500 participants are taking part, including representatives of NATO and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
The EU has started discussing the creation of a "drone wall" that would protect against further Russian attacks.
Estonia is initiating consultations under Article 4 of NATO after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace over the Gulf of Finland. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called it a serious and unacceptable provocation.
The tail section of a Russian "Gerbera" drone has been found in western Latvia. Experts have confirmed that the object is not explosive.
Estonia will completely stop importing Russian natural gas, including liquefied gas, from next year, according to a government decision of September 18. This expansion of sanctions was initiated by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to cut the Kremlin's revenues.
Lithuanian law enforcement agencies have uncovered a criminal group that planned terrorist attacks across Europe using postal services. The criminals sent homemade incendiary devices disguised as massage pillows and cosmetics.
Large-scale armored and air force exercises "Iron Gate" are taking place at the military training ground in Orzysz, Poland. NATO servicemen and equipment, including Abrams tanks and F-35 fighters, are participating in them.
The European Union plans to spend billions of euros on an "anti-drone wall" using technologies tested in Ukraine after Russian incursions into NATO airspace. This initiative aims to address the vulnerability where NATO relies on expensive technology to intercept cheap drones.
The exercises also involve Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which was tested last year.
The EU is preparing to tighten restrictions on issuing visas to citizens of Russia and other "hostile" countries by the end of the year. New recommendations from the European Commission, to be published in December, will include stricter criteria for the entry of Russians.
The European Commission is preparing new recommendations for member states on stricter restrictions on issuing visas to Russians. The document provides for stricter criteria but will not be mandatory, leaving the decision to national governments.
Lithuania's designated Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has stated Vilnius' unwavering stance on sanctions against Belarus. This comes after Belarus released 52 political prisoners and the US lifted sanctions on Belavia airline, which sparked discussions about possible pressure from Washington.
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Andrus Merilo proposed to ban flights near the eastern border. The ban will be in effect from 8 PM to 7 AM for several weeks, covering the airspace from Pedassaar Island to Estonia's eastern border.
BAE Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition production plant in Poland. This aims to address the shortage of shells in Ukraine and among Poland's NATO partners.
Germany will strengthen its presence on NATO's eastern border and expand air patrolling over Poland. This decision was made in response to the incursion of Russian drones into Poland.
Belarus released over 50 foreign prisoners, including citizens of six countries. Negotiations for their release were conducted with the participation of a US delegation.
The Saeima of Latvia is considering a draft decision on the temporary complete closure of the border with Russia and Belarus during military exercises. The decision was supported by the majority of deputies but caused discussions regarding economic consequences and real threats.
Latvia closes its airspace in the eastern border region from September 11 to September 18. This decision was made after assessing the NSS and events in Poland, which constitute a violation of NATO airspace.
