Russia continues to maintain a strong naval presence in the Caspian Sea to prevent coastal states from allowing NATO member countries, particularly the United States, access to its waters, Russian Maritime Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev stated on Thursday.
Speaking in Astrakhan, a city on the Caspian Sea, Patrushev highlighted the region’s military and strategic importance, which extends beyond its valuable oil and gas resources. The Caspian Sea’s strategic position plays a crucial role in safeguarding security in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
Patrushev, who also serves as a presidential aide, emphasized that Russia’s naval presence helps deter attempts by some Caspian countries to invite foreign naval forces, particularly those of NATO members.
He argued that the growing cooperation between Russia and nations in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, along with the Caspian states’ approach to resolving regional issues, is causing discontent within the West. He accused the United States and the European Union of working to heighten tensions in the region, aiming to undermine political and trade relations between these nations.
This statement underlines Russia’s broader strategy of maintaining its influence in the Caspian Sea, a key area for regional security and energy transit.
