MOSCOW, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The true objective of NATO's "Baltic Sentry" operation is to establish control over key transport routes and restrict cargo shipments in Russia's interests, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Monday.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Grushko said that NATO's heightened activities in the Baltic Sea pose serious threats to international shipping and economic activity.

"At present, a NATO naval group consisting of the 1st Standing Maritime Group and the 1st Standing Mine Countermeasures Group of warships is operating in this water. In January 2025, the alliance launched Operation Baltic Sentinel, the true objective of which is to establish control over international shipping routes and restrict cargo shipments in Russia's interests," Grushko said.

In this context, NATO is making decisions to deploy additional military infrastructure and forces on the Swedish island of Gotland, he added.

In recent years, NATO has increased its activities near Russia's western borders. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concerns over the buildup of NATO forces. ■