Russia launched sweeping military drills in the Baltic Sea this week, signaling its readiness to counter what it views as NATO's increasing militarization of its maritime periphery.

Russian warships, supported by the Aerospace Forces and units from the Moscow and Leningrad military districts, are executing operations focused on anti-submarine warfare, coastal defense, and simulated attacks on hostile naval and aerial targets. The drills involve over 3,000 troops and more than 20 vessels, including support and mine-sweeping ships.

Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated the exercises are a response to NATO efforts to project force near Russia’s borders, accusing the alliance of preparing for direct confrontation.

The drills come just days after NATO wrapped up “Fortress Thunder 2025” exercises in Lithuania and a month after Estonia closed its Narva border post with Russia and passed legislation authorizing the use of force against "suspicious vessels." Moscow views these steps as provocative and dangerous.

A recent incident involving the Russian-escorted Gabon-flagged oil tanker “Jaguar,” nearly intercepted by Estonian forces, has further strained relations.

Military analyst Alexei Arbatov explained the drills also serve to secure shipping routes and counter what Moscow deems European overreach. He noted Russia’s Baltic Fleet is aiming to neutralize emerging threats and protect maritime access, especially amid attempts by NATO to expand jurisdiction over neutral waters.

Legal expert Dmitry Suslov warned that recent European moves border on unlawful blockade attempts and could trigger maritime clashes. He argued that attacking vessels in international waters under suspicion alone constitutes piracy, cautioning against the erosion of established naval legal norms.