Recently, a series of incidents have occurred in the Baltic that have caused concern among the countries of the region. First, in early December, an undersea electrical cable EstLink2 was broken, which connects Finland with Estonia. The perpetrator turned out to be an Eagle S tanker, belonging to the alleged Russian shadow fleet – ships suspected of participating in the unofficial operations of Moscow.
Although the ship was detained by the Finnish services and immobilized in 1 of the bays under Helsinki, investigators inactive have no evidence of Russia's deliberate action. According to the findings of the "Helsingin Sanomat" and the American "The Washington Post", everything points to an unfortunate accident. However, the incidental caused a wave of unrest in the region, especially in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In consequence to the expanding tension, the Finnish authorities and NATO decided to strengthen surveillance of critical infrastructure in the region. To this end, Operation Baltic Sentry was announced, a mission to defend strategical offshore installations. Alliance forces, including ships, reconnaissance aircraft and submarines, began operations in the Baltic waters.
The Finnish Coast Guard, although formally not part of NATO's operation, remains in constant readiness to respond to any alarming signals. As part of Operation Baltic Sentry, the Finnish Coast defender participates in patrols in the Baltic waters, monitoring ship movements and responding to any suspicious behavior.
Recently, Virtual Poland had the chance to participate in the patrol of the Finnish Coast defender in the Gulf of Finland. Despite the negative temperatures, the strong wind and the impending snowstorm, officers emphasize that it is for them everyday. I don't think there's going to be any ice this winter, although nothing can be ruled out," says patrol commander RV90.
From a patrol boat that can scope more than 60 km/h, a writer from Virtual Poland watched the crew monitor the movements of ships in the Baltic waters. There are cases of units performing suspicious maneuvers, but – as the Finnish officer points out – any of them may have a completely average explanation.
Shortly after the harm to EstLink2, a akin situation occurred between Latvia and Sweden. A fibre optic cable connecting the Latvian coast to the Swedish island of Gotland was damaged. The suspected “Vezhen” bulk ship was taken over by Swedish services. As Virtual Poland emphasizes, it is not known whether both incidents are linked, but stress the increasing threat to the sub-marine infrastructure in the region.
Experts are divided in the assessment of the incidental with cables. Some, like Gen. Pekka Toveri, erstwhile head of Finnish military intelligence, do not believe in chance and openly talk about sabotage. Others, like Jukka Savolainen from the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, point out that there is no hard evidence of Russia's involvement. I do not regulation out Russian hybrid surgery, but without evidence it is impossible to accuse blindly – Savolainen comments.
The Baltic incidental caused a wave of unrest in the region, especially in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The regional authorities must be vigilant and determined in their actions to reduce the hazard of attacks on critical infrastructure. Operation Baltic Sentry is an crucial step towards strengthening safety in the region.
It is worth noting that the Baltic is an crucial region for Europe's economy and security. The countries of the region must work together to guarantee safety and stableness in the region. The Baltic incidental is simply a informing that safety is an crucial part of the economy and policy.
According to NATO data, in 2022 the Baltic was the most dangerous region in Europe, with more incidents and military practices. Russia is the main origin of concern in the region, and its aggression towards Ukraine causes a wave of unrest among the countries of the region.
The countries of the region must strengthen their safety to prevent attacks on critical infrastructure. Operation Baltic Sentry is an crucial step towards strengthening safety in the region. It is worth noting that the Baltic is an crucial region for Europe's economy and safety and that the countries of the region must work together to guarantee safety and stableness in the region.
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Baltic in distress: Russian shadow fleet and cable incidents
