Russia will take retaliatory measures if its vessels are detained again in the Baltic Sea, a senior diplomat has warned.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Sergey Belyaev, Russia's Ambassador to Sweden, emphasized that Moscow is prepared to protect its maritime interests. "If similar situations recur, the question will inevitably arise regarding the measures that must be taken to ensure the legal rights and interests of Russian sailors, shipowners, and their customers in the Baltic straits," the ambassador stated.
The warning follows statements from Aleksandr Tokovinin, Russia's Ambassador to Belgium, who previously indicated that Moscow would respond to NATO's "Baltic Watchman" operation. The Alliance's mission is reportedly designed to monitor underwater communications and critical infrastructure in the region. Russian officials view these activities as a provocation that threatens the freedom of navigation in international waters.
The Baltic Sea has become a focal point of heightened geopolitical tension following the expansion of NATO in Northern Europe. As a vital maritime corridor for energy exports and trade, the security of its straits is considered a strategic priority for regional powers. This latest diplomatic friction underscores the ongoing shift in the security architecture of the Baltic region, where both NATO and Russia have significantly increased their naval presence and surveillance capabilities over the past year.
