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.

Announced on 14 January 2025 at a summit in Helsinki, Baltic Sentry has combined warships, drones, patrol aircraft and advanced surveillance systems, such as the UK-led Nordic Warden system, both to act as a deterrent to potential threats from adversary craft, and to potentially challenge saboteur vessels before or during their detrimental actions.

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,