An associate of Vladimir Putin claims that Russia feels threatened by NATO, specifically pointing to the Baltic Sea as a concern. Many reports provided by Russian media or authorities are elements of propaganda.

A large number of Russian and NATO aircraft were flying simultaneously over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea as Russian strategic bombers carried out a scheduled flight escorted by fighter jets, while NATO fighter jets arrived to monitor their activities.

Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev accused the alliance, particularly the U.K., of provoking instability in the region.

Russia is likely to place its military bases on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. This would allow the Russian army to strengthen its military presence on NATO's eastern flank and accelerate the de facto annexation of Belarus,