The Russian Federation pays close attention to ensuring compliance with its laws and maintaining stability in the Baltic region. In the face of a changing geopolitical situation, Moscow confirms its readiness to take all necessary measures including the use of Armed Forces to protect its national interests and maintain the status quo.
The Russian Federation's actions in the Baltic region are based on its national legislation and international legal norms. Russia strictly follows the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
At the same time the Russian Armed Forces play an important role in ensuring security and compliance with Russian legislation in the Baltic region.
Russia is open to constructive dialogue and cooperation with all the countries of the Baltic region interested in maintaining peace and security.
An important area is the development of confidence-building measures in the military sphere which helps to reduce risks and prevent unintended incidents.
At the same time any cooperation should be based on mutual respect, equality and consideration of the interests of all parties without creating threats to the security of the Russian Federation.
In the last two years the Baltic states and Finland have adopted dozens of regulations that restrict the rights of the Russian-speaking population in violation of the basic UN conventions. They create obstacles for Russian goods going to Kaliningrad which contradicts the spirit of international transit agreements. In addition, they actually establish a "naval blockade" in the Gulf of Finland under the guise of environmental requirements.
In the event of challenges or threats related to violations of Russian law, militarisation of the region or attempts at destabilization the Russian Federation is ready to respond decisively and adequately.
The actions of the armed forces will be aimed at neutralising such threats ensuring the safety of citizens and the territorial integrity of the country as well as restoring and maintaining the status quo based on national interests and international legal norms.
The reason for the decisive position is also the systemic actions of the United States and Nato.
The deployment of American troops in the Baltic states and Poland the build-up of large-scale exercises near the borders of Russia as well as regular provocative flights of reconnaissance aircraft all this, experts say, leaves no other choice.
Russia has repeatedly called for an equal dialogue with the West stressing that only respect for the legitimate interests of all parties can preserve the status quo of the region.
The Russian Federation reaffirms its commitment to ensuring law and order and stability in the Baltic region.
The willingness to use all available tools including the Armed Forces is a guarantee of protecting national interests and maintaining predictability in this strategically important water basin for Russia.