NATO has dispatched two ships to monitor underwater infrastructure and the so-called Russian “phantom fleet” in the Baltic Sea following recent disruptions to undersea cables in the area, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced today.
The incidents include damage to the Estlink 2 electric cable and four telecommunications cables connecting Finland and Estonia in late December. Days earlier, additional cables in the Baltic Sea were also damaged. European political leaders and security experts suspect these events may be acts of “hybrid warfare” orchestrated by Russia.
In response, the Atlantic Alliance announced at the end of 2024 plans to bolster its military presence in the Baltic region.
“NATO is deploying two ships, and we are also increasing other activities and our presence in the region,” Minister Valtonen stated during a press conference in Helsinki.
Joint Expeditionary Force to Enhance Surveillance
On Monday, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)—comprising units from Nordic, Baltic nations, and the Netherlands—also announced increased monitoring of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea as a direct response to the cable sabotage incidents.
Finnish authorities suspect that the tanker “Eagle S,” operating under the Cook Islands flag, is part of Russia’s so-called “phantom fleet” and may have been involved in the sabotage.
The term “phantom fleet” refers to aging vessels, often poorly maintained and registered under foreign flags, that are allegedly used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions, particularly in transporting embargoed oil.
Ongoing Investigation and Seizure of Eagle S
On December 28, Finnish authorities seized the “Eagle S” in Porvoo, east of Helsinki, as part of the sabotage investigation. The ship’s anchor, which investigators suspect played a role in damaging the cables, was retrieved from the seabed earlier this week. The eight crew members have been prohibited from leaving Finland while the investigation continues.
“Finland has long been concerned about the ecological and maritime safety risks posed by the phantom fleet operated by Russia. It is now clear that this fleet also represents a threat to underwater infrastructure,” Minister Valtonen stated.
NATO Summit Focuses on Baltic Security
On Tuesday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal co-hosted a NATO summit in Helsinki, bringing together Baltic Sea nations to discuss regional security. Attendees included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, leaders from Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, and European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen.
Minister Valtonen emphasized the importance of the summit, noting that decisions made during the meeting would shape collective responses to threats in the region.
The increasing focus on securing critical underwater infrastructure highlights the evolving nature of modern security challenges, with hybrid warfare tactics posing significant risks to European stability.
