The Russian Navy deploys its Ocean Shield in the Baltic Sea with more than 30 ships and 6,000 troops

The Russian Navy began on Wednesday the Ocean Shield 2023 naval maneuvers in the Baltic Sea with the participation of more than 30 ships and 6,000 troops, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

“Since August 2, the Ocean Shield 2023 naval maneuver has been taking place in the Baltic Sea, under the leadership of the Commander of the Russian Navy, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov,” the department headed by Sergei Shoigu said in a statement.

According to Defense, more than 30 ships and combat boats, 20 supply ships, 30 naval aviation aircraft and the Russian Aerospace Force, in addition to around 6,000 troops, participate in the exercises.

“During the maneuver, it is planned to check the readiness of the Navy forces to protect Russia's national interests in this important region, and the coordination of the work of command posts at various levels to control the forces,” the entity said.

During the exercises, the defense of maritime routes, the transfer of troops and cargo and the defense of the coast will be practiced, in reference to Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave in the Baltic. “It is planned to carry out more than 200 exercises, which include the practical use of weapons,” Defense said.

These naval maneuvers are taking place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, which has deepened Russia's tensions with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and prompted applications from traditionally neutral Sweden and Finland to join NATO.