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Russia Launches Massive Baltic Sea Drills With 20+ Warships and Thousands of Troops
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Russia has launched major military exercises in the Baltic Sea involving more than 20 warships, around 25 aircraft and helicopters, and approximately 3,000 service members, the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet press office told Russian media Interfax on May 27.
The drills, described as “planned,” are not limited to the Baltic Fleet. Forces from Russia’s Northern Fleet, Aerospace Forces, and military units from the Moscow and Leningrad military districts are also participating.
According to the Baltic Fleet, the purpose of the exercises is to “maintain a favorable operational regime” in the Baltic region and to practice defending naval bases.
During the drills, naval crews will carry out anti-submarine warfare tasks, train to counter unmanned surface vessels and conduct live-fire exercises targeting both sea and air threats.
The duration of the exercises has not been disclosed.
Earlier, reports emerged that Russia’s Armed Forces had begun escorting shadow fleet oil tankers through the Gulf of Finland.
“The Russian military presence in the region has always been visible, this is not a new feature. However, what is new is that Russia is protecting its shadow fleet tankers in the narrow passage of the Gulf of Finland. Military escort and the presence of armed forces is observed. This is a completely new thing,” Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
