NATO has traditionally focused on the eastern flank, but the Baltic Sea is now also under threat.

01:43, Mon, Apr 20, 2026 Updated: 01:45, Mon, Apr 20, 2026

LATVIA-SWEDEN-NATO-POLITICS-DEFENCE

Michael Claesson (Image: Getty)

Sweden is preparing for a Russian operation to seize the island of Gotland, according to country's armed forces chief.

Swedish Chief of Defence, Michael Claesson, said Moscow could carry out a land grab “at any time” to test NATO's resolve.

“It doesn’t have to be particularly extensive at all, but more to make a point and wait to see what might happen politically,” Claesson said.

NATO military exercises have traditionally focused on a potential Russian land attack along NATO’s eastern flank, but attention is now shifting toward the Baltic Sea.

War games have simulated possible Russian landings on strategically important islands such as Gotland in Sweden, Bornholm in Denmark, and Hiiumaa and Saaremaa in Estonia.

Swedish military intelligence has warned that Russia is capable of carrying out an expansion of its war in the coming years.

They also warn that an end to the Russia war could allow Putin to redeploy forces closer to NATO territory.

The warning came after Putin sparked a frenzy on social media as footage reportedly showed his motorcade rushing to the Kremlin for a late-night meeting.

Video footage, which has not been independently verified, appeared to show a number of official cars racing through Russia's capital.

It comes after US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at NATO allies over what he sees as a lack of support for the Iran war.

Most recently at a Turning Point vent in Arizona on Friday, April 17, Trump said during his keynote speech that his country has to rely on itself.

Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Trump said: "If NATO teaches us any one thing, and I hope you all watched because they weren't there for us, if it teaches us any one thing: we have to rely on ourselves."

"We can't rely on outside countries and outside sources."