Military drills initiated by Russia in the Baltic Sea commence.

Military drills initiated by Russia in the Baltic Sea commence.

Russia Kicks Off Naval Exercises in the Baltic Sea

In a significant military move, Russia has initiated naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, involving over 20 ships, 25 aircraft, and helicopters, as well as 3,000 troops, according to RIA Novosti, quote from the Baltic Fleet's press service. These drills, planned for some time, will also involve the Northern Fleet, Aerospace Forces' aviation, and troops from the Moscow and Leningrad military districts, the fleet noted.

The naval crews will focus on anti-submarine tasks, protecting against unmanned boats, and conducting practical artillery firing during these exercises.

Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps has been training with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) near Russia's borders. These exercises, part of NATO's Swift Response, took place on the island of Gotland, around 321 km from Kaliningrad, between May 11 and 31. NATO, led by the US Army, has been conducting these drills with the participation of 14 alliance countries. The island's proximity to air and sea traffic routes in the Baltic Sea makes it strategically important.

In light of these military maneuvers, the Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated that Moscow is prepared to protect its interests in the Baltic Sea, aiming to prevent it from becoming a "NATO internal lake."

In recent months, tensions have escalated in the Baltic Sea region due to a series of confrontations between Russia and NATO member states, notably Estonia. Instances of intercepted oil tankers and increases in Russian military exercises near the Baltic borders have contributed to these tensions. NATO's efforts to protect undersea cables and reinforce defense infrastructure, particularly in the Suwałki Corridor, reflect the alliance's focus on maintaining regional security.

1. The increased military activity in the Baltic Sea has led to discussions in Russian politics, as Moscow seeks to protect its industry and finance interests in the region.
2. Amidst these naval drills, the aerospace industry plays a crucial role in enhancing Russia's defense capabilities, with the Northern Fleet and Aerospace Forces' aviation participating in the exercises.
3. Meanwhile, general-news outlets continue to closely monitor the political and military developments in the Baltic Sea, as both Russia and NATO countries carry out their respective drills, potentially affecting regional stability and international relations.

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