Russia has informed Latvia that the Russian Navy will conduct missile tests over Latvia's exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea on April 4-6 and has also requested that Latvia close its airspace approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from its coast, The Baltic Times reported March 30. The Latvian Defense Ministry summoned Russian Military Attache, Col. Andrey Lobov, and expressed concerns regarding the provocative nature of the drills and the potential disruption to trade and security. Russia's action could likely escalate its standoff with the European Union .