NATO Conducts Large-Scale Military Exercises in Baltic Sea Near Russia... Finland and Sweden Also Participate

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has commenced large-scale military exercises in the Baltic Sea region near the Russian border, involving Finland and Sweden. This move is interpreted as a preemptive measure to block potential Russian military provocations in response to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership and as a strong show of force to warn Russia.

According to the British BBC on the 17th (local time), NATO has launched joint exercises named "Hedgehog," meaning porcupine, in Estonia, a country bordering Russia in the Baltic Sea region. Fourteen member countries, along with Finland and Sweden, which recently officially declared their NATO membership applications, are participating, mobilizing approximately 15,000 troops. The exercises are reported to be conducted just 64 km away from a nearby Russian military base.

The exercises simulate a Russian invasion scenario of Estonia and, according to the BBC, are the largest NATO military exercises held in the Baltic Sea region since 1991. Due to concerns over Russian military provocations against Finland and Sweden, this is seen as a show of force to send a strong warning message to Russia.

Oana Lungescu, NATO spokesperson, emphasized on the official website, "These exercises demonstrate that NATO is strong and ready to defend against any threat," adding, "Although these are regular exercises planned long before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they help eliminate any misjudgments or misunderstandings about the alliance's resolve to defend every corner of its members' territories."

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