Swedish military leader expresses concerns over potential Russian presence in the Baltic Sea.
Sweden, the most recent member of NATO, remains vigilant over the Baltic Sea. Supreme Commander Byden is convinced that Putin plans to seize the Swedish island of Gotland to menace the entire region. The island is currently undergoing significant fortification.
The Chief of Staff of the Swedish Armed Forces, Micael Byden, has alerted to Russia's territorial aspirations in the Baltic Sea. "I'm positive that Russian President Vladimir Putin has Gotland in his sights. His objective is to dominate the Baltic Sea," the military leader informed German media outlets Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "If Russia obtained control over Gotland and sealed off the Baltic Sea, it would have severe repercussions - both for Sweden and all other countries sharing the Baltic coast. We must not permit this to happen," Byden emphasized. "We cannot allow the Baltic Sea to become Putin's playground where he intimidates NATO members."
Byden recalled that in the past, the Swedish military presence on Gotland had been so minimal that a volunteer home defense force was all that remained. "Those days of peace are over," the commander admitted. "The conflict in Ukraine shifted the political landscape in Europe, so we had to strongly fortify Gotland. We're now securing the island with permanent garrisons and deploying additional forces if the threat level rises. Whoever controls Gotland masterminds the Baltic Sea."
The strategic significance of Gotland extends beyond Sweden's national interest. Byden emphasized, "But if Putin conquers Gotland, he can menace the NATO nations from the sea. That would signal the end of peace and stability in the Nordic and Baltic regions."
Sweden fell in line with NATO in March, admitting Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced its decision.
Danger of Russian Oil Tankers
Byden also flagged the potential environmental catastrophe posed by old Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea, hinting at a possible Russia-sponsored accident. "Russia could inflict an ecological calamity on our doorstep and present it as an accident. The environmental consequences would be devastating," Byden divulged to RND papers. The Russian oil tankers pose a "grave environmental risk to Europe."
Besides environmental devastation, the Russian tankers may also undermine peace by serving as war tools. Byden added, "Moreover, Russia could use these ships to wage war against NATO in other ways. For instance, these boats can intercept our communications, covertly transport supplies, or engage in underwater sabotage."
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In light of Sweden's recent NATO membership, concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions towards the Baltic Sea and the Swedish island of Gotland have intensified. Byden highlighted that Putin could use control over Gotland to dominate the entire region and potentially threaten NATO members.
Furthermore, the Chief of Staff expressed concerns about the potential environmental hazards and military advantages of old Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea. Byden warned that Russia could exploit these tankers for strategic purposes, such as disrupting communications or carrying out covert operations against NATO countries.
Source: www.ntv.de
