- The head of the German navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, has warned that Russia is testing Europe's limits in the Baltic Sea, creating an imminent threat of escalation for the continent.
- Kaack highlighted increasingly hostile Russian military actions, such as low-flying combat ships and naval base sabotage, as precursors to a potential escalation in the maritime domain.
- Nato is concerned about Russia's intentions, with experts suggesting President Putin could be pushing the alliance's Article 5 mutual defence clause, particularly near Baltic state borders.
- Despite the Baltic Sea being referred to as 'Lake Nato' after Sweden and Finland joined, Kaack cautioned that Russia could still disrupt sea routes and cause damage, emphasising the sea's narrow and rapidly threatening nature.
- The admiral also raised concerns about Russia's use of a 'shadow fleet' for incursions and dismissed claims that recent cable and pipeline damages were accidental, suggesting deliberate sabotage.
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