NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea. Russia released a statement

NATO has commenced its annual BALTOPS exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving 50 naval vessels and 9,000 troops from 17 allied nations. Framed as a strategic effort to enhance interoperability and reinforce collective defense readiness, the drills have drawn sharp criticism from Russia, which portrays them as provocative steps toward war.

ROSTOCK, GERMANY - JUNE 03: View of the United States Navy's amphibious warfare command ship "USS Mount Whitney" in the Rostock Port on June 3, 2025 in Rostock, Germany. It is the flagship of the 6th US Fleet and is based in Italy. It will lead the NATO exercise Baltops, which will take place in the Baltic Sea from June 5 to June 20. Water sports enthusiasts are warned that there will be an increased presence of warships in the coastal area during this period. (Photo by Frank Soellner/Getty Images)
ROSTOCK, GERMANY - JUNE 03: View of the United States Navy's amphibious warfare command ship "USS Mount Whitney" in the Rostock Port on June 3, 2025 in Rostock, Germany. It is the flagship of the 6th US Fleet and is based in Italy. It will lead the NATO exercise Baltops, which will take place in the Baltic Sea from June 5 to June 20. Water sports enthusiasts are warned that there will be an increased presence of warships in the coastal area during this period. (Photo by Frank Soellner/Getty Images)
Images source: © GETTY | Frank Soellner

NATO’s BALTOPS exercise began on June 5 and will continue through June 20. As the Alliance’s largest maritime maneuvers in the Baltic Sea, the drills involve 50 naval vessels, dozens of aircraft and helicopters, and approximately 9,000 troops from 17 NATO members and partner nations.

Russia condemns NATO exercises

Russia, through Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, has condemned the drills, characterizing them as preparations for armed conflict. Grushko argued that the structure and objectives of the exercises suggest they are designed to confront a peer-level adversary.

- We are assessing NATO's military activity (in the Baltic region) as part of preparations for a military clash with Russia - Grushko said.

BALTOPS 2025 Exercises Underway in the Southern Baltic

The BALTOPS 2025 exercises are taking place in the southern Baltic Sea, stretching from the Danish Straits to the Bay of Gdańsk, with Germany’s Rostock serving as the base port. This year’s edition places a particular focus on countering aerial and surface drones, as well as amphibious landing operations.

Led by the U.S. 6th Fleet in coordination with U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command, the drills bring together more than 40 naval vessels, 25 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 troops. The exercise encompasses a wide range of operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and joint land-sea maneuvers.

While primarily military in nature, BALTOPS 2025 also serves a broader purpose: reinforcing international cooperation among NATO allies and partner nations in the Baltic region. This year, a special emphasis has been placed on integrating emerging technologies, particularly unmanned aerial and maritime systems, underscoring NATO’s focus on modern battlefield capabilities.

Sources: rp.pl, Gospodarka Morska

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