TASS said that the confrontation situation between Russia and NATO is clearly shifting towards the Baltic Sea, where a series of moves from NATO members, especially the "new soldiers", are being accused by Moscow of directly putting pressure on Russia's civil maritime activities.
According to military expert Alexander Stepanov of the Russian Institute of Law and National Security, this is part of a long-term strategy to disrupt maritime logistics routes and suppress trade - energy relations between Russia and partners in the Baltic region.
On 13 May, the Jaguar tanker (flagged Gabon, carrying 4 Russian sailors) was on its way to Primorsk port when the Estonian Navy, in coordination with NATO aircraft, requested to return to the NATO-controlled area for inspection.
Estonia even threatened to collide if the captain did not comply. However, the Jaguar continued its journey, and Russia immediately sent Su-35 fighters to the scene, forcing Estonian forces to retreat.
Stepanov called the actions a form of modern, NATO-backed quarter-endhat with the aim of disrupting the maritime supply chain, threatening civilian ships and disrupting Russias trade.
He warned that similar actions are also taking place in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, suggesting that this is a systematic strategy to paralyze Russia's maritime logistics capabilities.
According to Mr. Stepanov, NATO countries are actively increasing their military presence in the Baltic. Denmark deploys unmanned aerial vehicles such as Saildrone Voyager to monitor the Strait, while the Baltic countries are equipped with a high-tech anti-ship missile system supported by Norway.
The moves are not only aimed at controlling shipping routes but also threatening access to the Leningrad naval base and strategic logistics routes in northwestern Russia.
Mr. Stepanov said that the ultimate goal is to prevent any efforts to resume energy cooperation between Russia and the EU, especially gas pipelines such as Nord Stream.
To address the growing threat, Russia is implementing a number of new measures, including the creation of naval unmanned units to monitor and escort civilian vessels. Russia has also not ruled out the possibility of using force if necessary.
In the Jaguar-related incident, Stepanov assessed Russia's Su-35 fighter jet as a quick, accurate and deterrent response. He said the plane could disable much of Estonia's water surface force.
Although some Europeans, such as Germany's AfD, have called for a resumption of energy cooperation with Russia, most Western governments continue to follow a tough, confrontational path.
Mr. Stepanov said that the "super globalization of the Atlantic" ideology is dominating NATO's policy, making any dialogue efforts with Russia fragile and difficult to realize.
