Russia: Preparing for War Against us in the Baltic Sea

The NATO exercise Baltops, which begins tomorrow in the Baltic Sea, is, according to Russia, ‘extremely provocative’.

The exercise, in which Sweden and the United States are participating, is seen as a build-up to combat against Russia.

– We view NATO’s military activities as part of preparations for a military confrontation with Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko told Russian state-run news agency Tass.

Grushko listed several things that he believes demonstrate the true purpose of the exercises: their theme, focus, troop deployment structure, and the capabilities and characteristics of the soldiers.

– We see that they are aimed at countering a common adversary, in this case Russia.

– Such exercises are, of course, extremely provocative, he adds.

The Baltic Operations (Baltops) naval and air exercise is being held in the Baltic Sea region from 5 to 20 June. Sixteen NATO allies are participating, including the United States, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom. In total, more than 40 ships, 25 fighter jets and around 9,000 soldiers and sailors are taking part.

According to Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen, the Russian military presence in the Baltic Sea has increased significantly ahead of the exercise.

– There have been military escort operations, with the presence of armed forces. This is a completely new development, he told Yle at the end of May.

___________________________________

^{About Deep Sea Reporter: Our ambition is to examine and report on issues related to the sea and the life that exists beneath its surface. We operate in the public interest and are independent of political, commercial, and other interests in society.}