NATO increases surveillance in Baltic Sea after repeated Russian airspace violations

There have been multiple reports of Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern borders in recent weeks. Nineteen drones were detected over Polish airspace recently, and after the Estonian incursion, Poland’s border guard reported that two Russian fighter jets performed a low-level flight over a Baltic Sea oil platform managed by Petrobaltic.

Lithuania has also experienced drone incursions this summer. In late July 2025, Lithuanian authorities found a Russian drone equipped with explosives at a testing range after it had crossed from Belarus into Lithuanian territory. Officials believe Ukrainian defenses may have caused the drone to become disoriented before crashing. Earlier that month, another Russian drone violated Lithuanian airspace but crashed within one kilometer of entry.

These incidents were addressed during a United Nations Security Council meeting where European representatives expressed readiness to shoot down any further unauthorized Russian aircraft or drones entering NATO territory. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized: “Let me be clear. When flying objects violate our territory and enter Polish airspace, we will decide to shoot them down without discussion. There is no room for debate here.” He called on NATO allies for unified action should future violations occur.

Amid these tensions, the United States recently eased some sanctions against Belarus’ national airline Belavia after Belarus released 52 political prisoners. This step comes after President Donald Trump spoke with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko about possible improved relations between their countries.

Since 2021, Belavia has been under US and EU sanctions due to its involvement in the forced diversion of Ryanair flight FR 4978 and support for Russia’s actions against Ukraine. The sanctions prevented Belavia from purchasing or leasing Western-made aircraft and from obtaining necessary maintenance services.