Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has accused NATO of conducting Baltic Sea military exercises as preparation for a possible direct conflict with Moscow, warning of dangerous escalations.

In remarks published by TASS on June 4, Grushko stated that NATO’s BALTOPS 2025 drills reflect the alliance’s intent to rehearse war scenarios against Russia. “We assess NATO's military activity as part of preparations for military clashes with Russia,” he said. “The concept and structure of force deployment show this is a fight against a comparable adversary.”

BALTOPS is NATO’s annual maritime exercise hosted in the Baltic Sea, featuring air, naval, and ground operations by member states and partners.

Baltic Flashpoint Growing

The exercise comes amid growing militarization in northern Europe. Sweden’s recent NATO accession, increased Western military presence in Finland and the Baltics, and Russia’s own troop buildup near Kaliningrad have all intensified regional friction.

Though NATO insists BALTOPS is defensive in nature, the scale and combat readiness elements of the 2025 drills have drawn scrutiny from Moscow.

A Broader Strategic Signal

Grushko’s remarks fit within a broader Russian narrative portraying NATO as the aggressor. Russian officials frequently cite military exercises and weapons deployments near their borders as justification for strategic responses, including missile placement and increased troop rotations.

The Kremlin has yet to announce any formal counter-drills in response to BALTOPS 2025.