Naval battle: European countries are creating a naval alliance against Russia
The United Kingdom and nine other European countries will create a naval alliance to "contain" Russia at sea. The letter of intent has already been signed, and the next step is a declaration that will consolidate the parameters of the new partnership. At the same time, the United States did not join the new bloc, and the structure itself is positioned as an "addition" to NATO. Experts warn that in the future this may result in attempts to detain or even pirate actions against Russian merchant vessels and oil tankers. The objectives of the new initiative and the risks it poses to the Northern Sea Route are described in the Izvestia article.
What is London up to
The new alliance will be based on the United Expeditionary Forces (UEF), a coalition that was created in 2014 at the initiative of the United Kingdom. It includes 10 countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
London proposed to develop this format further by creating the Northern Fleets alliance. According to the Chief of Staff of the British Navy, Gwyn Jenkins, the goal of the project is to contain Russia and be ready for immediate action at sea.
The parties have already signed statements of intent. The next step is to sign an official declaration by the end of the year, which will lay the foundations for a long—term partnership. At the same time, the combat readiness of the Northern Fleet alliance is expected to be achieved by 2029.
"I strive to create naval forces that train, study and prepare together. Forces designed to engage in immediate combat, if necessary, with real capabilities, real military plans, and real integration," Jenkins said.
In fact, we are talking about deeper integration: alliance members will be able to exchange equipment, ammunition and personnel. It is also planned to use common systems and platforms, digital networks, logistics and inventory.
As stated on the ECO website, London already has a base for such integration. In particular, the UK exports its Type 26 frigates to Norway and Canada. In addition, the agreement with Norway signed in December 2025 is given as an example. Within the framework of this document, the Navies of the two countries "cooperate in countering Russian activity in the North Atlantic."
It is noteworthy that the United States will not join the united Navy, although Canada's participation is being considered. But this does not mean that the alliance operates independently of NATO: London sees the initiative as an addition to it.
Moscow has already accused ECO of escalation in the region. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that NATO was "purposefully following the path of increased confrontation." "During the exercises under the auspices of the ECO, scenarios such as a naval blockade and the seizure of the Kaliningrad region are being worked out," Grushko pointed out.
Robbery and piracy
Britain has historically viewed Russia as its geopolitical and military opponent, military expert Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine, tells Izvestia. In this context, London is striving to move towards regional and pan-European cooperation formats, primarily to counter Russia in the North Atlantic.
— This initiative will directly affect Russian interests, including in the field of the Northern Sea Route, as well as the basing infrastructure, including naval and island facilities in the Arctic. In addition, scenarios of tougher actions cannot be ruled out, including attempts to detain or pirate actions against Russian merchant ships and oil tankers carrying hydrocarbons and other cargoes," the source admits.
Dmitry Zhavoronkov, a naval historian and expert, also speaks about the seriousness of the threat. According to him, the British are capable of building and operating aircraft carriers. The other States that are part of this structure do not have strong fleets individually. But if they coordinate their actions, they may well turn into a serious force.
— In terms of ship composition, the number of submarines and auxiliary vessels, such a grouping is many times superior to the Baltic Fleet. And it is not always possible to strengthen the Russian Baltic with ships from the Northern Fleet and other fleets," the expert points out.
The expert also sees potential risks for merchant shipping. According to him, the British have long advocated harsh measures against ships linked to Russia, including the so-called "shadow fleet." And this is another step in this direction.
— In fact, we are talking about naval warfare and piracy. If we recall the history of England, and then Britain, this state largely built its prosperity on maritime piracy, robbery and exploitation of the occupied territories. It is enough to recall India or the opium wars in China. Now this logic continues. Moreover, not only the British act this way, but also the Americans — they just have a larger scale," Zhavoronkov believes.
What will be the answer?
Counteraction issues are already under the attention of relevant Russian structures, including the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Russian Navy. Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board, had previously drawn attention to the need to strengthen the Russian Navy.
The key factor, according to Korotchenko, remains the potential of the Northern Fleet. Today it is actively strengthening: New multipurpose nuclear submarines are being built, icebreaker-class vessels and warships are being commissioned.
"Thus, we are talking about a constant competition of potentials — between the capabilities of a potential enemy and Russia's ability to effectively counter them,— Igor Korotchenko emphasizes.
Some of the retaliatory measures are already working. For example, Russia has returned the escorting of merchant ships by ships of the Navy. In addition, the idea of creating marine PMCs or PSCs was voiced, but so far the initiative has remained on paper.
As Dmitry Zhavoronkov emphasizes, the issue of creating a separate naval military logistics company to protect Russian merchant shipping has also been overdue for a long time. In particular, if we talk about the Gulf of Finland, there are outer islands: Gogland, Tyuters and others. They can accommodate the operational base of the fleet and aviation, including various UAVs and marine robotic systems. Such a base could quickly respond to threats against Russian merchant shipping.
However, according to him, long-term measures are also needed: the renewal of naval personnel, naval aviation and submarine forces, the creation of unmanned boats, autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicles and new ship designs.
— It is necessary to systematically develop shipbuilding and, eventually, raise salaries for shipbuilders. This is a huge set of measures, the navy is generally a long game. The results of shipbuilding programs are not immediately visible — they appear after five, ten, fifteen years. The war has changed a lot now, so Russia needs to respond to all these challenges as quickly and effectively as possible," the military expert concludes.
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