Interfax reported that the Russian navy conducted military drills in the Baltic Sea, including unguided missile launches and bombing runs.

The NATO BALTOPS Naval Exercise, which began?June 4, and runs until?June 20, is the 'biggest war game in the Baltic Sea?year. It brings together around 6,000 personnel from 20 vessels of 15 nations.

Interfax reports that Russia conducted its own drills in Kaliningrad and the surrounding area from June 8-9. The drills involved around 10 aircraft including fighter jets, bombers and two small missile vessels.

Kaliningrad is a city of approximately 1 million people, located on the Baltic Coast between NATO members Lithuania, Poland and Belarus. It is a heavily militarised city that serves as the Russian Baltic Fleet's headquarters.

In late May, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has all the necessary means to destroy any force attempting to 'attack Kaliningrad.' This was after Lithuanian Foreign Minister said NATO should prove to Moscow they could penetrate Kaliningrad. (Reporting and editing by Andrew Osborn.)

(source: Reuters)