France raises possibility of Baltic Sea blockade for Russia
World
The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has dramatically changed the balance of power in the Baltic region and theoretically allows the alliance to block Russia’s sea routes there. This was stated by Chief of the French Armed Forces General Staff, General Fabien Mandon, at a naval conference in Paris.
According to him, NATO’s expansion in Northern Europe means that the Baltic Sea is effectively under the alliance’s control. If necessary, Russia could face the blocking of its maritime communications in the region.
Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2023 and 2024 respectively, becoming the alliance’s 31st and 32nd members. The decision was taken amid the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
General Mandon also said that France is preparing for the possible return of large-scale military conflicts. He noted that this could require full control over key maritime spaces, including the Baltic and Mediterranean seas.
He added that the French Navy, together with its allies, is working to curb what Western countries consider illegal trade in Russian oil. On January 22, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the detention of a tanker in the Mediterranean believed to be part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions.
The general has previously warned about the risk of a direct military confrontation with Russia and urged French society to be prepared for casualties and serious economic difficulties in the event of conflict.
Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2023 and 2024 respectively, becoming the alliance’s 31st and 32nd members. The decision was taken amid the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
General Mandon also said that France is preparing for the possible return of large-scale military conflicts. He noted that this could require full control over key maritime spaces, including the Baltic and Mediterranean seas.
He added that the French Navy, together with its allies, is working to curb what Western countries consider illegal trade in Russian oil. On January 22, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the detention of a tanker in the Mediterranean believed to be part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions.
The general has previously warned about the risk of a direct military confrontation with Russia and urged French society to be prepared for casualties and serious economic difficulties in the event of conflict.
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