Russian Ambassador to Norway Korchunov: NATO is trying to restrict shipping in the Baltic

The North Atlantic Alliance is trying to restrict navigation in the Baltic Sea. This was announced on July 13 by the Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov.

"We note the purposeful policy of the NATO member states to restrict freedom of navigation in the region, launching the Baltic Sentry Alliance mission for this purpose under the pretext, among other things, of threats to underwater infrastructure, which is accompanied by the strengthening of the naval group operating on the high seas," he said.

The diplomat drew attention to the fact that such actions have significantly complicated the military and political situation in the region, as well as increased the risks of possible escalation and conflict. As Korchunov emphasized, all countries located in the region are obliged to comply with the norms of international maritime law.

In addition, the ambassador called it obvious that today the forces and means of the Baltic Fleet and other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation in the Baltic Sea region "are an important factor in ensuring freedom of navigation both in the interests of Russia and third countries."

Put on deterrence: Russia will respond to the deployment of NATO forces in Northern Europe

How can Moscow react to the militarization of the Baltic and what does the Arctic Council have to do with it?

On July 13, Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin noted that the Russian Federation would protect the interests of the state in the Baltic Sea and would stop "piracy" by Western countries against Russian oil tankers.