Sweden’s military chief is sounding the alarm: Russia has dangerous ambitions in the Baltic Sea and could become a threat to NATO states.
Micael Biden, Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, has expressed serious concerns about Russia’s interests in the Baltic Sea, reports “ZDF today”. According to Biden, Putin’s intentions are clear: to gain control of the Baltic Sea and possibly even threaten the states bordering the Baltic Sea. “I am sure that Putin has both eyes on Gotland,” Biden is quoted as saying. According to Biden, if Russia gains control over the Baltic Sea, it could have “enormous effects on our lives – in Sweden and all other states bordering the Baltic Sea.” This should not be allowed.
Another potential problem Biden raises is old Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea. These could cause a serious environmental disaster, warns the Swedish army chief. “Russian oil tankers are a real threat to the environment in Europe.” According to reports from ZDF today, Russia could also use these tankers strategically, for example to intercept communication channels or carry out sabotage.
Biden also expresses the fear that NATO countries could be threatened from the sea if Russia’s ambitions for power in the Baltic Sea continue to grow. From Gotland, Sweden could help ensure the security of other NATO states along the Baltic Sea. However, if there is a Russian invasion of Gotland, Biden said, it could mean “the end of peace and stability in the Nordic and Baltic regions.”