NATO considers Baltic, Black Sea as areas of strategic responsibility

(MENAFN) NATO now considers the Baltic and Black Seas as areas of strategic responsibility, according to Secretary General Mark Rutte. Speaking ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Rutte addressed growing concerns over incidents in the Baltic region, particularly damage to undersea communication cables. While some Western officials suspect Russian sabotage, no concrete evidence has been presented.

Rutte emphasized the ongoing threat to critical underwater infrastructure in both the Baltic and Black Seas and warned that any major attack could provoke a “devastating” response from NATO. He stressed the need for increased defense spending across the alliance.

Accusations against Russia have grown over the past 18 months following multiple incidents involving damage to pipelines and power cables, including the rupture of the EstLink 2 power link and a gas pipeline in the Gulf of Finland. Although some investigations point to ship anchors as a possible cause, and some of the vessels involved were linked to Russian ports, no definitive proof has implicated Moscow.

Despite the lack of evidence, NATO launched the ‘Baltic Sentry’ patrol mission in January to monitor and protect undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Russian officials have consistently rejected claims of sabotage, accusing the West of promoting false narratives to heighten tensions.

Russia considers the Baltic Sea a vital zone for its naval and economic interests, with its Baltic Fleet stationed in Kaliningrad playing a key role in defending the nation’s western maritime borders. The Black Sea Fleet, based in Sevastopol, Crimea, similarly underpins Russia's strategic presence in the region.

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