Russia Threatens Possible Military Action in Baltic Sea

“Russia has warned of possible military action in the Baltic Sea. Senior Kremlin official Nikolai Patrushev said the Russian navy could be used to break what Moscow describes as a possible naval blockade, Militarny reported.

 

Patrushev, an aide to the Russian president and a central figure in Russian security services, made the remarks during a debate on NATO efforts to combat Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to export energy during sanctions. His comments suggest Moscow is tightening its tone as European powers step up maritime surveillance operations in the Baltic region. According to Militarny, Patrushev dismissed the notion of a shadow fleet as a legal fiction and said that seizing ships suspected of evading sanctions is a violation of international law. He warned that attempts to restrict Russian maritime trade could provoke a response from the Russian navy.

 

In his remarks, the Russian official suggested that any attempt to impose a naval blockade could be challenged by military means, saying the Russian navy would be able to ensure freedom of navigation for ships involved in Russian trade. He also hinted at possible action against ships flying European flags – but did not specify any specific measures.

 

Patrushev described the security situation in the Baltic Sea region as “complex” and accused NATO of creating what he called a strike force near Russia’s borders. At the same time, he acknowledged that Russia’s navy is under significant operational strain due to its ongoing duties protecting maritime trade. The comments come as several European countries are stepping up surveillance of tankers involved in sanctions-evasion schemes, according to the Defense Blog.

 

These vessels, often operating without standard insurance or certification systems, are drawing increasing attention from NATO members seeking to limit Russia’s energy revenues. Western officials see the measures against these vessels as a financial pressure mechanism aimed at reducing Moscow’s ability to finance military operations. The maritime inspection and surveillance operations have expanded throughout northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, where NATO member states conduct intensive naval and air surveillance activities. While Patrushev’s statements did not mention a specific incident or operation, they are among the clearest public warnings from a senior Russian official linking the enforcement of sanctions at sea to potential military consequences.”