Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has denounced Europe’s current security approach in the Baltic Sea region as “suicidal,” announcing the remarks on October 24.
“I want to hope, but so far they are pursuing a suicidal policy. Here is a good example of the Baltic Sea — it has always been the most militarily peaceful region, for many reasons,” Grushko stated in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Grushko identified the absence of territorial disputes and frozen conflicts as key factors contributing to the region’s historical peace. He noted that Baltic borders feature only “rough edges” and include complex geography: Russia’s exclave of Kaliningrad, three small Baltic states, and a protrusion into Russian territory—all highly vulnerable militarily.
The deputy minister warned that similar patterns are already emerging in the Arctic region.
Two days prior to Grushko’s remarks, Russian official Maslennikov had highlighted Western anti-Russian initiatives regarding maritime navigation. He also noted that an EU declaration on Baltic security now encompasses provisions for control over northern sea regions, freedom of navigation, and underwater communications safety.
Concurrently, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on September 21 that the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance remains defined by confrontation. When addressing developments in the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic, Peskov emphasized that Western military exercises have been practicing the seizure of merchant vessels.
