Defense Minister Pistorius: Russia’s Baltic Sea Provocations Show Hybrid Warfare

Russia has significantly increased both its naval and civilian presence in the Baltic Sea, underscoring the region’s growing strategic importance for Moscow, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, according to German media Deutschlandfunk on December 5.

His remarks followed a recent incident in which a Russian warship fired a warning shot at a German military helicopter conducting patrols in the Baltic Sea.

Pistorius emphasized that the Baltic Sea’s strategic significance extends beyond Russia.

“We are experiencing hybrid warfare,” said German Defense Minister. He added that the German Navy is responding with de-escalation measures.

Pistorius condemned Russia’s provocative actions, comparing them to tactics reminiscent of the Cold War.

With tensions escalating, Germany’s defense chief highlighted the importance of vigilance, especially in the face of Russia’s growing military assertiveness and China’s emerging presence in the region.

Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said that Russia is linked to nearly 100 incidents in Europe in 2024, classified as hybrid attacks, espionage, or influence operations.