International
-Sathish Raman
NATO
is
increasing
its
patrols
in
the
Baltic
Sea
as
Finnish
investigators
examine
potential
sabotage
of
undersea
cables.
The
investigation
focuses
on
whether
a
Russian-linked
ship,
the
Eagle
S,
damaged
cables
connecting
Finland
and
Estonia.
This
incident
is
part
of
a
series
of
disruptions
to
critical
infrastructure
in
the
area.
image
Finland’s
President
Alexander
Stubb
discussed
the
situation
with
NATO
Secretary-General
Mark
Rutte.
Rutte
stated,
“NATO
will
enhance
its
military
presence
in
the
Baltic
Sea.” The
alliance,
comprising
32
countries,
remains
alert
and
is
working
to
bolster
support
in
the
region.
Increased
Surveillance
and
Security
Measures
In
response
to
similar
incidents,
NATO
and
allies
have
deployed
additional
maritime
patrol
aircraft,
radar
planes,
and
drones
for
surveillance.
A
fleet
of
minehunters
has
also
been
sent
to
the
region.
Finland,
which
joined
NATO
in
2023
after
ending
its
neutrality
policy,
shares
a
1,340-km
border
with
Russia.
The
Eagle
S
is
flagged
in
the
Cook
Islands
but
is
considered
part
of
Russia’s
shadow
fleet,
transporting
oil
and
gas
despite
international
sanctions
over
its
conflict
with
Ukraine.
These
older
vessels
often
lack
Western-regulated
insurance,
raising
environmental
concerns
due
to
their
age
and
uncertain
coverage.
Potential
Sabotage
and
Ongoing
Investigations
Finnish
authorities
suspect
that
the
Eagle
S’s
anchor
may
have
damaged
the
cable.
Finland’s
Yle
state
broadcaster
reported
this
based
on
police
statements.
Kremlin
spokesman
Dmitry
Peskov
declined
to
comment
on
the
ship’s
seizure
when
asked.
President
Stubb
assured
that
“the
situation
is
under
control” following
a
high-level
meeting
about
the
incident.
He
noted
that
Finland
and
Estonia
have
requested
additional
NATO
assistance.
New
measures
might
include
inspecting
vessels’
insurance
certificates
in
the
area.
Previous
Incidents
and
Infrastructure
Damage
The
Estlink-2
power
cable
between
Finland
and
Estonia
was
disrupted
on
Wednesday
but
caused
minimal
service
impact.
This
follows
damage
to
two
data
cables
and
the
Nord
Stream
gas
pipelines,
both
labeled
as
sabotage
incidents.
The
data
cables
between
Finland-Germany
and
Lithuania-Sweden
were
cut
in
November.
Germany’s
defence
minister
suggested
sabotage
but
provided
no
evidence
or
responsible
parties.
The
Nord
Stream
pipelines
were
damaged
by
underwater
explosions
in
September
2022,
prompting
criminal
investigations.
NATO’s
Proactive
Measures
NATO
had
already
increased
patrols
near
undersea
infrastructure
after
the
Nord
Stream
incident.
Last
year,
it
established
a
coordination
cell
to
strengthen
cooperation
between
governments,
armed
forces,
and
the
defence
industry
for
better
protection
of
undersea
installations.
The
investigation
into
these
incidents
continues
as
NATO
enhances
its
presence
to
safeguard
vital
infrastructure
in
the
Baltic
Sea
region.
