At Least 11 Baltic Cables Sabotaged in 15 Months: What to Know

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    Exclusive – Chinese Patents Show Aim To Cut Undersea Cables

    NATO officials have expressed alarm over suspected sabotage attempts on underwater cables and pipelines that connect nine countries in the Baltic Sea region.

    Recent months have seen a sharp rise in damage to undersea cables in the Baltic, with at least 11 incidents reported since October 2023. The latest incident was spotted by a French Navy surveillance plane this week, after its camera focused on a cargo ship with smoke rising from its chimney.

    Why It Matters

    Subsea cables spanning over 800,000 miles globally carry more than 97 percent of the world's communications, including critical financial transactions.

    Damage to these networks could have severe implications for global economies and security.

    While NATO has not directly blamed Russia, suspicions are growing that Moscow could be behind the attacks.

    What To Know

    The increasing frequency of cable damage in the strategically important Baltic Sea has raised concerns that adversaries may be deliberately targeting vital undersea infrastructure.

    A French Navy Atlantique 2 surveillance plane
    A French Navy Atlantique 2 surveillance plane before its takeoff from Hamburg, Germany, Jan. 23, 2025, for a NATO patrol over the Baltic Sea as part of the military's alliance "Baltic Sentry" mission to protect... John Leicester/AP

    Who is Behind the Damage to Underwater Cables in the Baltic Sea?

    France's long-range Atlantique 2 aircraft, part of the newly launched "Baltic Sentry" mission, signals a heightened military presence in the region as the alliance steps up efforts to safeguard key power and communication lines.

    Western intelligence officials believe Russia may be engaging in "hybrid warfare"— a strategy that includes targeting critical infrastructure to destabilize European nations supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

    In response to the heightened threats, NATO has ramped up its patrols in the Baltic.

    What Underwater Infrastructure Is Below the Baltic Sea?

    The Baltic Sea is home to a vast network of undersea power, telecommunications, and gas pipelines that link countries in northern Europe.

    Notable examples include the Balticconnector pipeline, which carries gas between Finland and Estonia, and the high-voltage Baltic Cable that connects Sweden and Germany.

    The most recent rupture occurred on Sunday, damaging a fiber optic cable connecting Latvia to the Swedish island of Gotland.

    Though such damage is not uncommon, the concentration of incidents in the Baltic has raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage.

    French Navy Atlantique 2 surveillance plane
    Crew members aboard a French Navy Atlantique 2 surveillance plane patrolling the Baltic Sea as part of the NATO's "Baltic Sentry" mission to protect undersea cables and pipelines from sabotage. Jan. 23, 2025. John Leicester/AP

    What Measures Have NATO Allies Taken to Investigate Damage to Cables?

    In December, Finnish police detained the Eagle S, an oil tanker suspected of causing damage to the Estlink 2 power cable, along with two other communications cables linking Finland and Estonia.

    Finnish authorities believe the ship, which is alleged to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" designed to bypass sanctions, cut the cables while dragging its anchor across the seabed.

    However, other intelligence officials have cautioned that the damage may have been accidental.

    Some point to poor maintenance of the vessels and mechanical failures, including issues with anchors, as possible causes for the recent cable disruptions.

    What People Are Saying

    Flight commander Lt. Alban, explained how his crew was tasked with identifying suspicious maritime activities. He said: "If we witness some suspicious activities from ships at sea—for example, ships at very low speed or anchoring in positions that they shouldn't be—this is something we can see."

    NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Jan. 14: "There is reason for grave concern." He was referring to the series of cable damages, including those involving connections between Lithuania and Sweden, Germany and Finland, and Estonia and Finland. He added, as he unveiled the "Baltic Sentry" mission: "We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that it doesn't happen again. And our adversaries should know this."

    What Happens Now

    While investigations are still ongoing, NATO is focusing on the possibility that these incidents may be part of a broader effort to destabilize European nations supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

    As NATO increases its surveillance and deterrence capabilities, the alliance sends a strong message to potential adversaries: it is prepared to protect the Baltic's vital undersea infrastructure and ensure the continued stability of Europe's energy and communication networks.

    This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press

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    About the writer

    Shamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in particular, conflicts, refugees and natural disasters. She has reported on the Syrian war from the frontline, the Ukraine war, the Rohingya refugee crisis and more. She joined Newsweek in 2024. She has an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary, University of London and a masters degree from Birkbeck, University of London. You can get in touch with Shamim by emailing s.chowdhury@newsweek,com. She is fluent in English, Sylheti and Bengali and conversational in Urdu and Hindi.


    Shamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in ... Read more