Rajevs: Russia's Baltic Sea fleet would stand no chance against allied forces
Latvian MP and reserve colonel Igors Rajevs says Russia's navy could not sustain a serious military operation in the Baltic Sea given the scale of allied NATO forces present there, comparing the situation to Russia's limited capabilities in the Black Sea.
Latvian parliament member and National Armed Forces reserve colonel Igors Rajevs said in a TV24 program discussion on the war in Ukraine that debates about a possible Russian Baltic fleet operation often overlook the overall balance of military forces in the region.
Rajevs noted that the Baltic Sea hosts not only the naval forces of the Baltic states, but also allied forces from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, as well as the United States and Britain. In his view, this balance of forces raises serious doubts that Russia's fleet could carry out anything significant there.
Comparison with the Black Sea
According to Rajevs, even in a moment of surprise, Russia's fleet could only carry out limited actions that would end quickly — he suggested within roughly two days. He compared the scenario to the current situation in the Black Sea, where Ukrainian operations have significantly constrained Russia's naval capabilities.
Rajevs stressed that compared to a potential confrontation in the Baltic Sea, Russia's current position in the Black Sea would look far more favorable. He expressed confidence that any serious clash with allied forces in the Baltic Sea would cost Russia considerably more than what it has already suffered in the Black Sea.
