According to a Polish admiral overseeing the Baltic Sea area, Russia is disrupting mobile communications and ship-tracking data, posing risks to vessels and energy supplies in order to test the response of Western powers. Vice Admiral Krzysztof Jaworski stated that Moscow is employing these tactics to conceal its own vessel movements and interfere with operations in the sea, which is bordered by eight NATO countries and Russia.
Jaworski described the situation as a significant challenge, referring to it as a form of hybrid warfare that combines conventional attacks with disruptions to various systems. He emphasized Russia’s aggressive behavior and its attempts to disrupt the daily lives of those in the region. The admiral also noted that Russia is testing the resolve of the Western alliance to determine the extent of their actions.
Instances of potential sabotage to telecommunication cables and gas pipelines have been reported since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl suggested that these acts of sabotage may prompt NATO to consider invoking the mutual defense clause, Article 5.
Jaworski highlighted that Russian vessels have been turning off their Automatic Identification System signals, violating maritime laws and putting other ships at risk. He also mentioned efforts to block identification and tracking systems, as well as instances of false readings and disruptions in mobile and positioning data.
Despite challenges in monitoring the Baltic Sea, Jaworski expressed confidence in the safety of Poland and its allies’ operations. He mentioned that NATO could deploy additional frigates to the region to maintain a strategic balance.
In response to potential movements of Russian naval vessels, the admiral stated that Poland and its allies would focus on observing, monitoring, and demonstrating readiness to act if necessary. Poland relies heavily on natural gas shipments via the Baltic Sea, sourced from liquefied natural gas and pipelines from Norway.
