This is part two of my interview with Jonas Kjellén. We particularly discussed the Baltic Fleet’s abilities for minelaying and amphibious operations, but other types of maritime operations were touched on as well.
Russia
Interview with Jonas Kjellén about the Russian Baltic Fleet – Part 1
Here is an interview I did with Jonas Kjellèn from FOI about the Russian Baltic Fleet. Jonas recently authored a really good report on the topic. This is part one of the interview. The next ones will be available in the coming weeks.
No turning back
Sam Greene on his blog: By the summer of 2019, it should have been clear that this prediction was wrong. The Kremlin ramped up arrests and street violence (albeit not to American levels on the latter count), culminating in the arrest of some 11,000 people in January 2021. Since then, they have moved to bar […]
Russia challenges international law with Black Sea prohibition zones
Analysis of Russia’s decision to close three zones in the Black Sea for foreign warships including the Kerch Strait.
Russia is up to something: Probably about Belarus
The many incidents with the Russian military over the last few weeks are not a coincidence. It looks like a prelude to intervention in Belarus.
Operational countermeasures against Russian A2/AD – My contribution to new FOI report
I have contributed to FOI’s new report with a look at Russian A2/AD from an operational perspective. My argument is that it probably wouldn’t work.
Russia signs contract for new versatile helicopter carriers
Russia’s new universal landing ships are much more than amphibious assault carriers. They are a multi-tool of giant warships, designed for many different types of operations.
A look at the Baltic Fleet and the defense of Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad is a military stronghold in the Baltic Sea. It is also an interesting case of Russia’s joint approach to defense under the leadership of the Baltic Fleet. Here is a quick overview.
Joint Iran-China-Russia exercise is impressive display of naval diplomacy
A maritime exercise between Iran, China, and Russia has received much attention. It is a very small exercise where China and Russia sent one warship each, so it is mostly a symbolic gesture. But the World response has demonstrated the power of naval diplomacy.
Sergey Shoigu has famous pro-Kremlin journalist fired over critical article
Defense analyst Ilya Kramnik has been fired from Izvestia for publishing a critical analysis of an interview with defense minister Sergey Shoigu. Kramnik particularly addressed Shoigu’s inclination to taking credit for other people’s achievements and the propagandized nature of the Defense Ministry’s PR-practices under Shoigu.