The key facts

  • Shoigu said Western exercises are offensive rather than defensive in nature
  • In Lithuania, NATO exercises Freedom Shield 26-II and Grand Eagle 26 have been underway since November 6, involving brigades from eight countries
  • In late October, about 3,000 troops of a NATO brigade began the Resolute Reforger 2026 maneuvers in Latvia near the Russian border

Shoigu's statement amid NATO exercises

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that the exercises of Western countries are 'not so much defensive as offensive in nature.' According to him, 'statements regarding the Kaliningrad region are being made,' and he asked: 'Who is planning to attack whom, and who is violating what?' Shoigu's remarks were reported by Interfax (the outlet Gazeta.Ru).

A series of exercises near Russian borders

The statement came amid a string of Alliance maneuvers in the Baltics. On November 6, NATO exercises began in Lithuania: Freedom Shield 26-II and Grand Eagle 26, involving combat brigades from Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Czech Republic, as well as Croatia, Belgium and Luxembourg. The stated goals are increasing troop readiness, improving operational planning and enhancing cooperation with allies.

Latvia and Estonia

Earlier, in late October, about 3,000 troops of a multinational NATO brigade began the Resolute Reforger 2026 maneuvers near the Russian border in eastern Latvia, as reported by the Latvian outlet LSM.lv. In addition, according to Gazeta.Ru, Estonia and NATO earlier launched exercises near Russia's borders. Thus, Shoigu's statement concerns several maneuvers conducted simultaneously or in succession in the three Baltic countries; the assessment of the exercises as 'offensive' is the position of a Russian official, whereas NATO declares goals of increasing readiness and cooperation.