NATO will strengthen its defense of the Baltic Sea in response to threats from Russia
NATO countries, particularly Germany, plan to strengthen the protection of the Baltic Sea, critical infrastructure, and key supply routes in response to hybrid threats from Russia. The allies are paying particular attention to the activities of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
“We will not allow Moscow to turn critical infrastructure into a target and endanger supply routes, particularly through its neglected shadow fleet. That is why we, as NATO partners, will continue to strengthen the Baltic Sentry mission,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is visiting Finland on July 15–16.
His talks in Helsinki are focused on support for Ukraine, hybrid threats from Russia, security in the Baltic Sea, and cooperation between Germany and Finland within the EU and NATO.
“Europe’s security today is not defended only in Ukraine. It is being decided at the Finnish-Russian border, in the Baltic Sea, and in European elections—everywhere Russia is trying to exert harmful influence and divide our societies,” the German foreign minister emphasized.
As noted by the ministry, Russia employs a wide range of hybrid tools, including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation, GPS jamming, and attacks on critical infrastructure. According to Berlin’s assessment, prolonged disruptions to satellite navigation in the Baltic region and incidents near the Finnish border directly affect NATO and EU territory.
During his visit, Wadeful is scheduled to visit the Finnish-Russian border crossing at Vaalimaa, which has been closed to passenger traffic since 2023, and to familiarize himself with the workings of Finland’s civil defense system and reservist training. Special attention will be paid to maritime security during the trip. Aboard the Finnish patrol vessel Turva, Wadeful will learn about the tasks of the border guard service and measures to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Wadeful will also hold talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen regarding support for Ukraine and the further strengthening of European security.
Zelenskyy announced growing support for Ukraine’s NATO accession.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that an important turning point in the war is now unfolding for Ukraine. According to him, Russia no longer has an advantage on the battlefield, and the main tool remaining at Vladimir Putin’s disposal is ballistic weapons.
Ukraine has received political approval to produce Patriot air defense missile systems, but a technical phase must still be completed before production can begin. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is already ready for this step, and now everything depends on the speed at which Ukrainian and American specialists can carry out the work.
