Tensions in the Baltic soar as Russian naval exercises 'Ocean Shield-2023' begin
Russia has announced the start of naval exercises in the Baltic Sea codenamed "Ocean Shield-2023", heightening tensions with its European neighbours over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The exercises, which will involve more than 30 combat ships and gunboats, 20 support vessels, 30 naval aviation aircraft and approximately 6,000 military personnel, are aimed at improving the country's preparedness to protect its national interests in the strategically important region.
In response to NATO manoeuvres in the area, the Russian Defence Ministry declared the start of the Ocean Shield-2023 exercises under the leadership of Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov.
"Since August 2, the Ocean Shield-2023 naval exercise has been underway in the Baltic Sea under the command of Navy Commander-in-Chief Nikolay Yevmenov. The exercise will test the readiness of naval forces to protect the national interests of the Russian Federation in an area of operational importance and the interoperability of headquarters at various levels in the command and control of forces," the ministry said in a statement shared by Russia's TASS news agency.
The manoeuvres will focus on the protection of sea routes, troop and military cargo transport and coastal defence, with more than 200 combat exercises planned, including live weapons deployments.
As Barron's reports, the Russian navy has played a crucial role in the conflict in Ukraine, using ship-launched cruise missiles and submarines, among other weapons, to strike the Western-backed country. The Ocean Shield-2023 exercises are a demonstration of Russia's military capability and its determination to protect its territorial integrity and interests in the Baltic Sea.
After the end of the exercises, combat ships will return to their permanent naval bases, while participating aircraft will be reassigned to their home airfields.
The international community is closely following developments in the region, given the delicate balance between Russia and its European neighbours, especially in the context of ongoing tensions over Ukraine.