NATO is set to bolster its presence in the Baltic Sea following the malfunction of the Estlink 2 submarine power cable, as revealed by Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday subsequent to his discussions with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. “I conveyed my complete solidarity and backing,” the leader of the 32-country military alliance shared on X post their dialogue.
In an earlier statement, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur declared that his nation would also safeguard the Estlink 1 power line with patrol ships in light of recent disruptions to cables in the Baltic Sea. NATO is actively supporting both Finland and Estonia in their inquiries into potential sabotage, a spokesperson for the alliance disclosed to dpa.
Initially, no further particulars were disclosed. Stubb mentioned that both his country and Estonia had jointly petitioned NATO to heighten its presence in response to the prevailing circumstances. The transmission of electricity through Estlink 2 connecting the two neighboring states was abruptly halted on Wednesday.
Following suspicion of sabotage, Finnish authorities apprehended the Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker Eagle S, the anchorage of which could have been utilized to inflict harm on the cable. According to the EU, the vessel is linked to the so-called Russian shadow fleet: tankers and other cargo ships employed by Russia to evade sanctions on oil transportation.
Although network operators initially estimated that the repair of the 170-kilometer-long cable might take several months, Estonian and Finnish authorities do not anticipate any significant impact on consumers. There have been other reported disruptions to communication cables in the Baltic Sea of late. As reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle, three cables link Finland and Estonia, while one links Finland and Germany. Investigations into these incidents are currently ongoing.
Meanwhile, Finnish investigators are gearing up to scrutinize the seabed. Crew members of the Eagle S are under interrogation, and evidence has been collected onboard the vessel, as per the police. Customs authorities have also confiscated the ship’s fuel cargo.
Stubb emphasized the importance of refraining from premature conclusions. However, he added that if sabotage and the involvement of a state actor could be conclusively ascertained, it would be subject to a thorough investigation. Estonia’s Pevkur also affirmed that the parties would await the outcomes of the inquiries into the damages.
“While our goal is to send a clear message promptly that we are ready to safeguard the connections between Estonia and Finland, even through military means if required,” Pevkur stated in a ministry release. “We have decided to position our navy in close proximity to Estlink 1 to protect and ensure the integrity of our energy connection with Finland,” he separately communicated on X on Friday. The decision was reached in conjunction with Estonian armed forces chief Andrus Merilo and would guarantee the preservation of the link’s functionality.
The recent failures and interruptions of power cables, gas pipelines, and telecommunications links in various countries surrounding the Baltic Sea have incited heightened vigilance against potential sabotage. NATO’s commitment to fortifying its.
