The NATO has announced an enhanced response to the growing threats in the Baltic Sea. On January 15, 2025, a new mission was launched to protect submarine cables, following reports of repeated attacks by Russia's so-called "shadow fleet." This fleet is suspected of being involved in several sabotage incidents, damaging vital infrastructure, particularly data and power cables.
A recent incident occurred in December 2024, when a tanker, suspected of damaging submarine cables in the Baltic Sea, was detained by Finnish authorities. In an interview with DW, Moritz Brake, Senior Fellow at the CASSIS Think Tank at the University of Bonn and reserve officer of the German Navy, commented on the changing security situation in the region. Brake explained that, given the new threats, NATO was forced to strengthen its protection measures, focusing on safeguarding submarine cables that are crucial for European communication and energy supply.
Brake also stressed the urgent need to develop preventive measures to avoid future attacks. This could be achieved through an increased military presence and strategic partnerships with affected countries such as Finland. NATO aims not only to focus on reactive measures but to take proactive steps to ensure long-term security in the region.