Izvestia: NATO seeks to inspect vessels in neutral Baltic waters
Морские происки: страны НАТО добиваются досмотра судов в нейтральных водах Балтики
■ The Helsinki NATO summit adopted a number of resolutions that will affect shipping in the Baltic Sea. In particular, NATO announced the launch of a patrol operation there to protect the underwater infrastructure of coastal European countries. The alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Baltic Sentry mission would involve naval warships and warplanes. However, he did not specify which troops would take part in the operation.
■ NATO makes no secret of the fact that the measures are a response to Russia’s "shadow fleet," which purportedly poses a threat to the underwater infrastructure of the Baltic states. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that the countries attending the meeting would build a team of legal experts to find ways of countering Russia’s hybrid influence in maritime areas.
■ Such measures against Russian vessels and ships sailing under the flag of countries engaged in Russian trade are being taken to harm Russia’s economy, military expert Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia. He criticized the initiative announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as tantamount to terrorism and piracy. (Map: © researchgate.net)
■ NATO announces a new mission to "protect" undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region (01/15/25)