NATO Secretary-General announced plans to enhance patrols in the Baltic Sea region following suspicions of undersea cable sabotage involving a ship linked to Russia. Finnish authorities took control of the vessel, Eagle S, to investigate its potential role in damaging power and data cables connecting Finland and Estonia.
Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has been at the forefront of the investigation, with support from the military alliance. In response to previous incidents, NATO had already deployed additional surveillance aircraft and minehunters in the region.
The Eagle S, part of Russia's shadow fleet, has raised concerns due to its involvement in shipping oil and gas in defiance of international sanctions. The vessel's anchor is believed to have caused the recent cable damage, prompting calls for stricter vessel inspections and adherence to maritime laws.
Recent incidents, including the disruption of data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines, have been labeled as sabotage. The damage to critical infrastructure has sparked criminal investigations and heightened security measures in the region.
NATO's efforts to safeguard undersea installations have been ongoing, with the establishment of a coordination cell to strengthen collaboration between governments, armed forces, and the defense industry.
The investigation into the undersea cable sabotage remains ongoing, with Finland and Estonia seeking additional NATO assistance to address security concerns in the Baltic Sea region.
