Russia warns of rising NATO tensions in Baltic Sea region
An associate of Vladimir Putin claims that Russia feels threatened by NATO, specifically pointing to the Baltic Sea as a concern.
Many reports provided by Russian media or authorities are elements of propaganda. These reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.
Nikolai Patrushev, an associate of Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia currently perceives a threat from NATO in the Baltic Sea region, particularly regarding Russian port infrastructure and maritime navigation.
Russia on the alleged threat
"The situation in the Baltic highlights the deliberate stoking of regional tensions by the naval forces of European Alliance countries. There is a high likelihood of further escalation of threats to Russian port infrastructure and freedom of navigation," Patrushev claims.
An advisor to the Russian leader argues that NATO continues its strategy of encircling Russia in the Baltic region, "neglecting the resumption of dialogue between Moscow and Washington."
He also stated that the current escalation in the Baltic Sea was provoked by the United Kingdom.
The situation in the Baltic
"Traffic between St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad is increasing, and Russia is more determined than ever to protect the trade route through the Baltic Sea, employing its naval fleet to escort its ships," said Finnish naval forces commander Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen on Wednesday.
"The situation in the Baltic is 'unfavorable' for Russia because all other coastal countries are already in NATO, and limiting the use of the Baltic and the actions of the North Atlantic Alliance is in Russia's strategic interest," stated the rear admiral during a conference in Helsinki.
