Latvia accuses Russia of conducting military exercises to practice a Baltic blockade strategy.
During the "Ocean Shield" exercise, Russian servicemen are practicing tactics to blockade sea lanes, complicating NATO forces' access to the Baltic Sea. This was reported by LETA, citing sources from the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
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| Russian naval and aerospace forces are participating in the annual Ocean Shield 2019 exercise in the Baltic Sea. Photo: TASS |
The exercise in question took place from August 1st to 9th in the Baltic Sea, Norway, and the North Sea. In total, it involved more than 10,500 military personnel, 49 warships, 20 support vessels, and over 50 military aircraft.
Latvian military authorities noted an increase in Russian aircraft and ships involved in the exercises. For example, one day earlier, two Su-30 fighter jets were spotted near the Latvian border.
Additionally, two Russian Tu-95 strategic missile-carrying aircraft flew over neutral waters in the Bering Sea. At each separate point, US F-22 and F-18 fighter jets escorted the Russian aircraft.
In August and September, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to hold another exercise called "Center - 2019".
Military personnel will conduct various exercises along the Northern Sea Route in the Russian Arctic, testing new equipment specifically designed for military operations in the Arctic. Norway has expressed concern about the exercise.
