What is the Russian Baltic Fleet and where is it based?: Russia's Baltic Fleet, founded in 1703, operates from Baltiysk in Kaliningrad and Kronstadt near St Petersburg. It is the oldest Russian naval formation and fields four Steregushchiy-class corvettes plus Buyan-M missile vessels.
Why did Ukraine strike the Baltic Fleet at Kronstadt in June 2026?: Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces sent over 400 drones roughly 1,100 km to Kronstadt on 6 June 2026, setting the corvette Boikyi on fire in dry dock. The strike aimed to reduce Russia's capacity to launch Cruise Missiles from Baltic waters.Source: Kyiv Independent
How has the Baltic Fleet been affected by Sweden and Finland joining NATO?: With Sweden and Finland in NATO since 2024, the Baltic Fleet is now encircled by NATO member coastlines on nearly all sides, severely limiting its breakout options through the Danish Straits and reducing its freedom of manoeuvre.Source: RAND Corporation

Background

The Baltic Fleet is Russia's oldest naval formation, founded by Peter the Great on 18 May 1703 during the Great Northern War. It operates from Baltiysk (Kaliningrad Oblast) and Kronstadt (St Petersburg), fielding four Steregushchiy-class corvettes, Buyan-M missile vessels, and submarine assets. Since Sweden and Finland joined NATO in 2024, the fleet has been increasingly encircled by NATO coastlines.

On the night of 6 June 2026, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces sent more than 400 drones roughly 1,100 km into Russia to strike Kronstadt, setting the corvette Boikyi on fire in dry dock. The Baltic Fleet's naval infantry had been heavily committed to Ukraine since 2022. The strike demonstrated that Russia's Baltic bases are now within reach of Ukrainian long-range drone operations.

Source Material

Baltic Fleet