We see NATO's military activities as part of preparations for a military confrontation with Russia, claims Vice Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grusjko to Russian state-controlled Tass.
Grusjko lists several things that, according to him, show the exercise's real intention: the theme, the focus, the structure of troop deployment, the soldiers' capacity and characteristics.
We see that they are aiming to counter a common opponent, in this case Russia.
Of course, such exercises are extremely provocative, he adds.
The maritime and air exercise Baltops (Baltic Operations) is being conducted in the Baltic Sea region from 5 to 20 June. 16 NATO-allied countries are participating, including the USA, Denmark, Finland, and the United Kingdom. In total, more than 40 vessels, 25 fighter jets, and around 9,000 soldiers and sailors are participating.
According to Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen, the Russian military presence in the Baltic Sea has increased significantly ahead of the exercise.
There has been military escort activity, with the presence of armed forces. It's a completely new element, he said to Yle at the end of May.
