Moscow Vows: We Will Use "All Means" to Ensure Freedom of Navigation in the Baltic

The Ambassador-at-Large at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Artyom Bolatov, affirmed that Russia will use all available means and resources to ensure respect for the principle of freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea.

The diplomat said in an interview with RIA Novosti agency: "We have firmly and repeatedly indicated that the Russian side will use a full range of available means and resources to ensure respect for the principle of freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea. First and foremost, legal and political, but not limited to them."

In a related context, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview with RIA Novosti agency that the activities of NATO member states in the Baltic Sea create serious threats to international navigation and economic activity.

Grushko emphasized that the alliance's mission "Baltic Sentry", launched in يناير 2025, aims to impose control over international logistics routes and restrict the transport of goods carried out in favor of Russia.

NATO launched "Baltic Sentry" operation on 14 يناير 2025 as a multi-domain measure aimed at strengthening the alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea. This move followed a series of sabotage incidents targeting critical underwater infrastructure, including the cutting of power and communication cables between the Baltic states, which the alliance's countries blamed on the so-called Russian "shadow fleet".

On the other hand, Russia described the "Baltic Sentry" mission as an attempt by NATO to turn the Baltic Sea into "internal waters" for the alliance, and asserts that the "piracy" and "illegal" acts its ships are accused of are a pretext to restrict freedom of navigation.

Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev had warned in فبراير 2026 that any naval blockade could be met with a military response from the Russian fleet.

Source: RT + Novosti