NATO countries are considering scenarios of a partial or full naval blockade of Russia and are effectively placing the Baltic-Arctic region on a «barracks footing,» according to Russia’s ambassador to Norway, Nikolay Korchunov.

He stated that alliance members, including Norway, are expanding their military presence in the region through NATO operations dubbed «Baltic Sentry,» «Eastern Sentry,» and «Arctic Sentry.» According to Korchunov, these missions restrict freedom of navigation and directly violate international law.

Earlier, Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev said that after failing to defeat Russia on the battlefield, the West shifted its focus to economic warfare, primarily targeting maritime transport blockades. He also warned about planned and ongoing forceful provocations that are being thwarted by the Russian fleet.

Patrushev argued that the European Union understands that the bulk of Russia’s foreign trade maritime cargo turnover проходит through the North-West of Russia. For this reason, he said, a «real hunt» has been launched against vessels flying the Russian flag, as well as foreign ships carrying Russian cargo.