Russia Responds to NATO Military Exercises in the Baltic Sea

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, has stated to his Finnish counterpart that Russia will certainly respond to the increased NATO activities in the Baltic region. According to Reuters, Mr. Lavrov expressed Moscow's displeasure regarding the presence of NATO forces in Finnish territory and the conduct of military exercises during a press conference in Moscow on Monday. NATO commenced its biennial naval exercise for the first time on Finnish soil on Monday. In his press conference, Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia has no qualms about expressing its dissatisfaction with NATO's gradual encroachment and its approach to Russia's borders. The Russian Foreign Minister mentioned that Russia is exercising its sovereignty to ensure that the security of its borders will not be jeopardized. He further addressed Finland, saying that they will certainly understand this issue. According to the Russian Foreign Minister, there is no threat in the Baltic region that necessitates military exercises in this area. Timo Soini, the Finnish Foreign Minister, whose country is hosting the NATO exercise, also stated that conducting military exercises will enhance Finland's military capabilities. He emphasized that these exercises are not aimed against any country. Finland is not a NATO member; however, according to its Foreign Minister, it closely cooperates with NATO and its neighbor Sweden to enhance its military capabilities. On the same day as the press conference, more than twenty NATO member countries gathered in Poland to commence their biennial military exercise. A part of this year's naval exercise is being held in Finland for the first time. This large-scale exercise, conducted near Russia's borders, has always been protested by this country. NATO claims that exercises like this are a regional defensive response to Russia's annexation of Crimea. NATO and Russia have experienced tensions in the Baltic Sea several times in recent years.