DISINFO: "Baltic Sentry" is NATO’s maritime blockade to lock Russia in
SUMMARY
Amid its failure in Ukraine, NATO plans to open a second front against Russia in the Baltic region under the pretext of "strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure".
The NATO indefinite operation "Baltic Sentry" involving increased patrolling of territorial and international waters with warships and aircraft resembles a maritime blockade, which is considered a type of warfare under international law. The operation is aimed at addressing the "Russian threat" or Russia’s use of a hidden merchant fleet. However, locking Russia in completely is unrealistic. At the same time, such provocative actions and the lack of legal framework for inspecting merchant ships in international waters make an armed conflict with Russia more likely.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West, its allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda and being involved in the war in Ukraine.
Since Russia began its aggressive and unprovoked actions against Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of threats and hostile actions. However, no evidence has been provided to support this claim.
NATO is a defensive political and military alliance. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members.
On January 14, 2024 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of a new military activity by NATO - “Baltic Sentry”. The multi-domain activity, which will continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on December 25, and follows a declaration of solidarity by Allies with the two countries on December 30, and the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland.
“Baltic Sentry” will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and deter any future attempts by a state or non-state actor to damage critical undersea infrastructure there in accordance with international law of the sea, including the freedom of navigation.
NATO Secretary General Mr Rutte highlighted that:
“Safeguarding our infrastructure is of utmost importance. Not only is this crucial for energy supply – whether from power cables or pipelines. But more than 95 percent of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables. And 1.3 million kilometres of cables guarantee an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day.
…robust enforcement is essential. Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding, and arrest. And while such law enforcement roles are for national authorities, we are best served when there is complementarity between NATO’s efforts to detect threats and deter aggression, and national efforts to enforce the law.”
A broad coalition of more than 50 nations, including Western countries, are providing Ukraine with military and technical assistance with the aim of repelling Russia's aggression, but they are not involved in direct fighting. NATO is cautious about increasing the risk of direct military intervention, which is also reflected in NATO's official strategy. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Our analysis of the recent communication strategy of pro-Kremlin outlets explains how they attempt to portray Russia as a victim and to deceive audiences into believing that Russia is fighting Western powers.
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