Finland’s coast guard has boarded an oil tanker suspected of causing widespread power and internet outages across the country. The vessel is registered in the Cook Islands but is believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
According to reports, the tanker was taken to Finnish waters by the coast guard after it was detected disrupting Finland’s power and telecom cables. Finland has long been concerned about its close proximity to Russia, making the discovery of a potential Russian operation particularly worrying.
The incident highlights tensions between Finland and Russia, which have been on edge due to their shared border and concerns over security in the region. The Finnish government has not commented directly on the tanker’s origin or ownership, but sources suggest that it is believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
This development comes as Finland strengthens its ties with NATO and other Western nations, seeking increased protection against potential Russian aggression. The incident will likely raise concerns about Finland’s ability to maintain its security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finland-police-investigate-role-foreign-ship-after-power-cable-outage-2024-12-26