Authorities are investigating the sudden disruption of two undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea, raising suspicions of sabotage among European leaders. The incidents involved the BCS East-West cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden and the C-Lion1 cable linking Finland with Germany, both of which were severed within hours on Sunday and Monday.
European Leaders Voice Suspicions
European officials were quick to speculate that the incidents were deliberate. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed the notion of an accident, while Finland and Germany’s foreign ministers expressed “deep concern” and suggested the disruptions could be part of “hybrid warfare,” pointing fingers at Russia.
This suspicion aligns with previous accusations against Moscow for waging hybrid war across Europe, including arson, explosions, and acts of sabotage.
U.S. Officials Point to Possible Accident
Despite European alarm, two U.S. officials familiar with initial assessments told CNN that the damage was likely caused by an anchor drag from a passing vessel rather than deliberate actions. Such accidents have occurred in the past, although not in such quick succession.
The Kremlin rejected the accusations as “laughable” and “absurd,” asserting there was no basis for blaming Russia.
Law Enforcement Treats the Damage as Sabotage
Sweden and Finland’s law enforcement agencies are treating the incidents as deliberate sabotage:
- Sweden’s Prosecuting Administration has launched a preliminary investigation.
- Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation is probing aggravated criminal mischief and interference with communications.
Suspicious Vessel Under Scrutiny
Authorities are particularly interested in the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, which was present near the disrupted cables. The vessel had recently docked at Russia’s port of Ust-Luga and was in the area during the incidents.
The Danish Armed Forces reported being near the ship but did not confirm any pursuit.
Asked about the vessel, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated he was “not aware of the situation” and emphasized China’s commitment to international laws and infrastructure safety.
Context of Escalating Hybrid Threats
The disruptions came weeks after U.S. warnings that Russia might target undersea infrastructure, following reports of suspicious Russian vessel movements and activities of a specialized Russian marine unit surveying the seabed.
Whether accidental or deliberate, the incidents underscore the vulnerabilities of critical undersea infrastructure, which is crucial for global communications and internet connectivity.
What’s Next?
As investigations by Swedish and Finnish authorities progress, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks facing vital infrastructure in contested regions like the Baltic Sea. Whether the result of sabotage or accident, the events have intensified calls for enhanced international collaboration to protect undersea networks.
