Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, has raised serious concerns over the severing of two undersea communication cables in the Baltic Sea, describing the incidents as likely acts of sabotage. The damage has disrupted essential internet links between several European countries, highlighting the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in the region.
Two Cables Severed in Baltic Sea: What Happened?
Two separate undersea fibre-optic cables were cut in incidents reported on Sunday and Monday:
- Lithuania-Sweden Cable: A 135-mile cable linking Lithuania to Sweden’s Gotland island was damaged early Sunday, according to Telia Lietuva, impacting internet services.
- Finland-Germany Cable: On Monday, a 746-mile connection between Finland and Germany’s Rostock was severed, reported Finnish telecom company Cinia.
Authorities are investigating the disruptions, which follow similar concerns over attacks in the Baltic, such as the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
German Defence Minister: Sabotage Likely
“No one believes the cables were accidentally damaged,” Pistorius said during a statement in Brussels. He dismissed the likelihood of accidental damage by ship anchors and emphasized the need to assume sabotage until proven otherwise.
This stance reflects growing fears about hybrid warfare, where state or non-state actors may target critical infrastructure to undermine national and regional security.
European Leaders Respond to Cable Disruptions
European leaders have expressed alarm over the incidents. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock released a joint statement calling the situation a serious concern:
“Our European security is under threat—not only from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine but also from hybrid warfare targeting critical infrastructure,” they said.
Sweden’s Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirmed that investigations were underway, while Lithuania’s navy has increased surveillance of affected Baltic regions.
Broader Security Concerns in the Baltic Region
The Baltic Sea has become a focal point for suspected hybrid warfare, raising questions about the safety of Europe’s undersea infrastructure. Earlier this year, Nato’s Allied Maritime Command warned that underwater systems, including cables and pipelines, are prime targets for disruption.
Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre noted in April that Russia had developed undersea hybrid warfare capabilities designed to destabilize Europe’s economy and connectivity.
Sweden’s Offshore Windfarm Veto
Adding to the tension, Sweden recently vetoed 13 proposed offshore windfarms in the Baltic Sea, citing national security risks. The Swedish armed forces argued that the projects could hinder their ability to defend Nato’s newest member during potential conflicts.
Call for Reader Interaction: Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the security of Europe’s critical infrastructure? Should nations invest more in protecting these vital systems? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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As investigations into the Baltic Sea cable damage continue, European nations are on high alert, reinforcing surveillance and collaboration to protect infrastructure that underpins regional and global stability.
