Tensions with Russia have risen amid a string of power line sabotage incidents, including the alleged cutting of an undersea cable between Finland and Estonia on Christmas. The West has long been concerned about Russian efforts to circumvent Western sanctions, but the latest incident has sparked fears that it is part of a larger pattern.
European leaders are sounding the alarm, with EU foreign policy head Kaja Kallas warning that recent sabotage attempts in the Baltic Sea form a deliberate pattern aimed at damaging digital and energy infrastructure. The incidents are similar to previous attacks by China, which have disrupted power lines in European waters since 2023.
Finland is investigating the Estlink-2 incident, which caused minimal disruption but resulted in an anchor suspected to be from the alleged culprit, Eagle S, being dragged over 62 miles underwater. The ship was seized by Finnish police last week.
The case highlights the risks posed by undersea cables, which are critical for internet connectivity and global communication. A December report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warned that subsea cable systems are vulnerable to hacks, espionage, and physical threats.
European officials are now calling for NATO to bolster undersea infrastructure protections, citing a lack of a unified response to protecting these critical assets. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described the incidents as a “wake-up call” for Berlin, highlighting the need for action to protect submarine cables and ensure secure supply chains.
International agreements exist to protect undersea infrastructure, but critics argue that the rules lack accountability, allowing nations to disregard international law. The US-led coalition’s September call for states to comply with applicable international law has raised concerns about enforcement.
As tensions between Russia and China continue to rise, experts warn of a growing threat to global communication networks. Researchers urge the US to invest more in cable repair, increase the size of cable repair ships, and work to boost security through the International Cable Protection Committee.
Source: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5060481-russia-finland-estlink-2-undersea-cable