NATO is amassing forces at Russia's doorstep, deploying thousands of troops and warships in the Baltic region

The exercise, which will run until December 4, involves troops and ships not only from Finland but also from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, along with NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1).

According to the announcement, around 5,000 soldiers will take part. The troops will train on a total of 20 allied ships, practicing the protection of maritime lines of communication and critical infrastructure, combat and amphibious defense in archipelagos and along the coast, as well as joint operations between navies and coastal forces.

Participants will also practice safeguarding maritime communications and critical infrastructure, defensive actions during amphibious landings, and joint naval operations with coastal units.

“Exercise ‘Cold Winds 25’ demonstrates the commitment of allied countries and Finland to securing the Baltic Sea in all situations. We are capable of conducting rapid and effective joint operations with our allies, and exercises like this maintain and develop those capabilities,” said Captain Marko Laaksonen, Chief of Operations of the Finnish Navy.