The Times: Russia Is Preparing An Attack On The Baltic Islands
- 16.04.2026, 14:43
Sweden has named Putin's target.
Sweden does not rule out that Russia may seize one of the Baltic Sea islands in the near future - and thus test how NATO will react to the provocation.
The head of Sweden's armed forces The Times said the head of Sweden's armed forces, Michael Claesson.
The Kremlin could launch a small naval operation in the Baltic Sea as early as tomorrow, Claesson said. The aim is to expose cracks within the alliance, especially since Donald Trump has openly threatened to cut support for European partners.
"We should be alert and deter Russia from this kind of adventures with our presence in strategically important areas in the north and of course in the Baltic Sea," Claesson said.
400,000 islands to choose from
In September, the Swedish Armed Forces published a report that explicitly named the island of Gotland as a possible target. Russia could take it by surprise, either by sea or airborne.
But Klasson clarified: Russia has much more options.
"It doesn't have to be a particularly large-scale operation, but rather a demonstration of intentions, after which we can wait to see the reaction at the political level," he explained.
What Swedish intelligence officials say
Swedish military intelligence warned in a recent report: the threat from Russia will grow. Moscow is building up military capabilities near Sweden and is already capable of launching a limited strike in the region.
Five years from now, the situation could be even more serious - Russia will be able to "carry out an armed attack to seize large areas and further establish sea and air domination."
After Ukraine, is it Europe's turn?"
Classon also warned: the end of the war in Ukraine will not mean peace for Europe. On the contrary - Russia will be able to regroup and transfer resources to the west.
"I also do not rule out that they will be preparing for a certain kind of military confrontation in order to actually restore a certain form of geopolitical expansion reminiscent of the former Russian Empire, or maybe even the Soviet Union," he said.