Germany Russia criticizes NATO manoeuvres in the Baltic Sea as a provocation
One day before the start of the two-week NATO naval manoeuvre Baltops in the Baltic Sea, Russia has criticized the exercise as a provocation.
04.06.2025, 11:50
SDA
Moscow's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko accused the Western military alliance of preparing for a confrontation with Russia. "It's about gaining superiority in all areas: on land, at sea and in the air. Of course, such exercises are extremely provocative," Grushko told the state news agency Tass. Russia itself is currently conducting a maneuver in the Baltic Sea with more than 20 warships, gunboats and support vessels.
Grushko continues: "We see Nato's military activities as part of the preparations for military clashes with Russia." The entire concept of the maneuver and the structure of the troop deployment showed that the NATO forces had Russia in their sights as an enemy.
The annual Baltops maneuver begins this Thursday for the 54th time - and for the first time in Rostock in northern Germany. From June 5 to 20, around 50 ships and boats, more than 25 aircraft and around 9,000 soldiers from 17 countries will take part in the US-led exercise. The Baltic Sea is also considered a strategically important sea in view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia is the only one of the nine countries bordering the Baltic Sea that is not a member of NATO.
Russia itself also conducts maneuvers in the Baltic Sea
Russia itself announced the start of maneuvers by its Baltic fleet in the Baltic Sea on 27 May. "It is emphasized that the exercises are being carried out to test the actions of the fleet forces to defend the bases," the navy announced. According to Russian state television, the maneuvers continued this week.
Corvettes, frigates, small missile ships, small submarines and minesweepers are involved. Around 3,000 soldiers, around 25 aircraft and helicopters and up to 70 units of military and special equipment will also take part in the exercises, according to Russian information. According to Russia, it had expanded its naval presence in the Baltic Sea in response to the NATO activities.
