Russia launches military show of force near Kaliningrad amid massive NATO exercises
Photo: Russian military exercises involving ships and aircraft (Getty Images)
The Baltic Sea has become the stage for simultaneous military exercises by Russia and NATO. Moscow practiced missile strikes while the Alliance is conducting its largest military drills of the year, Reuters reports.
The Russian Navy carried out exercises in the Baltic Sea on June 8-9. During the maneuvers, forces practiced unguided rocket launches, bombing, and missile strikes.
Russian media reported that around ten military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, as well as two small missile ships, took part in the drills.
The exercises were conducted near Russia's Kaliningrad region, an exclave located between Poland and Lithuania that serves as the headquarters of Russia's Baltic Fleet.
At the same time, NATO's BALTOPS exercises are underway in the Baltic Sea. The drills began on June 4 and will continue through June 20. They involve around 20 ships from 15 countries and approximately 6,000 military personnel.
BALTOPS is considered the largest military exercise in the Baltic region this year.
In late May, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has sufficient capabilities to defend Kaliningrad from any attack. He was responding to comments by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who said NATO is capable of neutralizing Russian military facilities in the region.
The Lithuanian minister argued that the Alliance should demonstrate to Moscow its readiness to overcome Russia's fortress in Kaliningrad and prevent the missile and air defense systems stationed there from being used against NATO member states.
