NATO allies, including the UK, are stepping up Baltic Sea defences as senior officers and officials warn of growing Russian threats and risks of wider conflict. US Navy Seabees are constructing boat ramps on Latvia’s western coast as part of the Baltops exercise to prepare for rapid reinforcement and counter-offensive operations against a potential Russian invasion, according to military officers.
Capt Allen Willey, the Seabees’ commanding officer, inspected a ramp built to an 11-degree incline for offloading troops, vessels and military vehicles. The veteran construction battalion, known for its “Can Do” motto since 1942, is positioned to play a critical role in logistics and resupply for NATO’s eastern flank. The Baltic Sea is viewed by military experts as Europe’s key “strategic sea”, bordered by eight NATO members and Russia. Swedish officials have warned that Russia is preparing plans to occupy Gotland Island to test NATO’s resolve, while analysts have highlighted potential hybrid threats to Denmark’s Bornholm.
Western officials have expressed concerns that Moscow could target a Baltic state within the next few years, posing a major test of NATO’s Article 5 collective defence commitment.
During Baltops, Seabees also assembled wooden Arctic huts intended for temporary billets, storage or command posts, while US Marine demolition teams practised clearing obstacles using C4 explosives.
Lt-Cdr Cody Robertson told The Telegraph that the drills enhance preparedness: “This exercise will make us better prepared, if defence is required.” He emphasised the increased importance following Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Satellite imagery reported by Danish broadcaster DR has shown Russia clearing forested areas for new barracks, combat divisions and vehicles near the borders with Estonia and Sweden. Experts have also pointed to a pattern of suspected Russian sabotage targeting undersea cables in the region.
Latvia’s former intelligence chief Janis Kazocins said that the Baltic states are especially exposed: “As tiny countries with limited resources, we need to be absolutely sure that our deterrence is strong enough to make sure Russia does not view us as a suitable target.”
The UK has contributed forces and support to Baltops and other NATO deterrence operations in the region. Latvia has increased its defence spending to 4.9% of GDP in response to the threats, drawing on its history of Soviet occupation.
In Riga, administrative worker Daiga Klavina said that the exercises support readiness: “The more we know, the better we are prepared.” A Russian-speaking resident named Renars criticised the situation, saying: “It’s all bull—-. The politicians are trying to involve us in a war.”
Latvia’s Foreign minister Baiba Braze said the drills affirm strong alliance support: “The United States has been, and remains, an indispensable ally for Latvia and European security.”
The Baltic Sea accounts for 15% of global cargo traffic and provides Russia with vital naval access to the Baltic Fleet and the heavily armed Kaliningrad exclave. Senior military figures have cited Gen Dwight D Eisenhower’s assessment that logistics frequently determine the outcome of battles and wars.
As the Seabees concluded the exercise with a controlled C4 detonation, officers described the activity as evidence of sustained commitment. UK-backed NATO measures for a potential “Battle of the Baltics” are advancing amid heightened tensions.
