Russia condemns NATO for significantly expanding its military activities in Baltic region

Russia has condemned NATO for significantly expanding its military operations in the Baltic Sea, particularly near the Kaliningrad region, warning that the alliance’s growing presence poses risks to regional stability and international navigation.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special envoy, Artem Bulatov, said on Monday that NATO is intensifying efforts to enhance its combat capabilities and infrastructure in areas adjacent to Kaliningrad, pointing to a sustained military buildup under various operational frameworks.

NATO launched its Baltic Sentry mission in January 2025 under the stated aim of protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, while continuing extensive air patrols and expanding the scope of its exercises, according to Bulatov.

The scale and frequency of NATO operations have increased, alongside provocative actions by member states targeting vessels involved in transporting goods to and from Russia, he added

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko warned that these activities are creating “serious threats” to international shipping routes and economic operations in the region, suggesting that NATO’s mission is effectively aimed at controlling key logistical corridors.

Russia says has no plan to strike NATO but will respond to any attack

Spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Moscow has no intention to strike any NATO members.

The alliance’s operations are designed to restrict the movement of goods linked to Russia, raising concerns in Moscow over the militarization of maritime routes in the Baltic, Grushko noted.

Furthermore, Russia has expressed concern over a shifting Western approach to the role of nuclear weapons, senior diplomat Andrey Belousov said last week.

Speaking in an interview with RIA Novosti news agency, Belousov stated Moscow is increasingly alarmed by developments within what he called the “collective West,” particularly ahead of the upcoming review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The Eleventh Review Conference of the NPT is scheduled to take place in New York City from April 27 to May 22.

“Currently, a number of issues in the context of the NPT are causing us serious concern. First and foremost, this concerns a trend that could soon take on an avalanche-like nature: the widespread declaration by a number of states, primarily from the 'collective West' camp, of a new view on the role and place of nuclear weapons,” Belousov said.

Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, NATO has expanded its borders in the Baltic region by accepting Finland and Sweden as new members.

NATO has used the conflict as justification to increase its sphere of influence across the entire Russian border.

Russia has repeatedly warned Western counties that it regards these actions as the same provocations that led to the conflict with Ukraine.

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