Swedish army leader expresses concerns over Putin's potential presence in the Baltic Sea region.
Sweden, a new NATO member, is vigilant as they monitor the Baltic Sea. Supreme Commander Byden believes that Putin has his sights set on the island of Gotland to threaten the entire Baltic region. The island is currently undergoing massive reinforcements.
Micael Byden, Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, cautioned about Russia's territorial aspirations in the Baltic Sea. "I'm confident that Russia's President Vladimir Putin even has his sights on Gotland. Putin seeks dominance over the Baltic Sea," the army chief informed the German media network, Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "If Russia takes control and seals off the Baltic Sea, the repercussions would be immense - for Sweden and all other nations bordering the Baltic Sea. We cannot let this happen," states Byden. "The Baltic Sea should not turn into Putin's playground where he intimidates NATO members."
He recounted how they had reduced military presence on Gotland to nearly a volunteer home defense force. "These peaceful times are long gone," said the army chief. The Ukrainian conflict prompted a drastic shift, and we had to substantially reinforce Gotland. The island is now fortified with permanent troops and additional forces deployed temporarily if the risk level escalates. "He who controls Gotland controls the Baltic Sea."
Gotland could have beneficial implications for other NATO nations on the Baltic Sea, assuring their safety. "However, if Putin invades Gotland, he can menace the NATO countries from the sea. This would signify the end of peace and stability in the Nordic and Baltic regions," stated Byden. Sweden formally joined NATO in March amidst strong Russian objections. Only the Russian incursion into Ukraine led to a change of heart in the Swedish government.
The peril of Russian oil tankers
Byden also spoke about a potential environmental catastrophe from aged Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea. "Russia could trigger an ecological disaster near our doorstep, orchestrated to appear accidental. The implications for the environment would be catastrophic," he told RND. These Russian oil tankers are a "real threat to Europe's environment."
He also warned that these vessels could be employed in other ways to launch a war against NATO. "There's no better way for Russia to infiltrate us than by disguising itself as an old oil tanker. They can use the ships to eavesdrop on our communications, secretly transport something, or use them for underwater sabotage," Byden mentioned.
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Given the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, with Vladimir Putin potentially eyeing Gotland to assert dominance over the Baltic Sea, Sweden's Supreme Commander Byden expressed concerns. He stated, "Sweden cannot stand by if Russia seizes Gotland, as it would jeopardize the peace and stability of not only Sweden but also other NATO countries bordering the Baltic Sea." Additionally, Commander Byden highlighted the potential threat posed by aging Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea, stating, "These vessels could be used for espionage, sabotage, or even as a disguise for a military infiltration attempt by Russia against NATO members."
Source: www.ntv.de
