Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko has stated that Moscow will respond appropriately to any moves by NATO in the Baltic Sea region, vowing to protect Russian interests amid increased US-led bloc activity. In mid-January, NATO launched its Baltic Sentry mission, aiming to patrol the Baltic following underwater cable damages. However, Grushko dismissed the alliance’s attempts to turn the sea into an “internal lake,” asserting that Russia will not allow it.
Grushko emphasized that Russia will take necessary military actions to safeguard its interests in the region. He expressed skepticism about NATO’s ability to control the area with around ten vessels and advised monitoring the bloc’s rhetoric. Moscow seeks a cooperative Baltic Sea for trade and interaction, contrary to NATO’s alleged intentions of denying Russia access, as previously warned by Nikolay Patrushev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin.
Grushko questioned NATO’s capability to dominate the region, urging vigilance in tracking the alliance’s actions and statements. Moscow envisions the Baltic Sea as a hub for cooperation and trade, contrasting with what it perceives as NATO’s attempts to turn it into a “bloc’s ‘internal sea.’”