In the wake of escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea, Estonia has sent a naval patrol ship to safeguard its critical Estlink 1 undersea power cable, following allegations of Russian sabotage targeting its primary power link. NATO has also announced plans to bolster its military presence in the region as concerns over the security of critical infrastructure grow.
Suspicion Falls on Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
The incident involves the Eagle S, an oil tanker identified by the EU as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels allegedly used to bypass Western sanctions. Finnish authorities suspect the Eagle S of damaging Estonia’s Estlink 2 power cable, a 170km (105-mile) link crucial for the region’s electricity supply. Finnish coast guard officials boarded the vessel and escorted it into Finnish waters for further investigation.
The EU described the damage to the Estlink 2 cable as the “latest in a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure.” It comes just weeks after two undersea data cables were severed in the Baltic Sea, one linking the Swedish island of Gotland to Lithuania and another connecting Finland and Germany. These incidents have been attributed to acts of sabotage, with a Chinese ship, the Yi Peng 3, implicated in one case for dragging its anchor over the cables.
The Kremlin has downplayed the allegations, dismissing the cable damage as a “narrow issue” unrelated to the Russian presidency.
Estonia and Finland Respond
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the deployment of the patrol ship Raju on Friday morning. Its mission: to ensure the security of Estlink 1 and maintain Estonia’s vital connection to Finland. “The Raju’s task is to ensure that nothing happens there and that our critical connection with Finland remains operational,” Pevkur stated on Estonian public radio.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that NATO reinforcements might be necessary to deter further threats. Speaking to public TV, Michal indicated that Estonia and Finland could invoke Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which calls for consultation when a member state feels threatened. “Our wish would be to receive reinforcements from NATO in the form of a fleet to act as a deterrent,” he said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the alliance would enhance its presence in the Baltic, reaffirming its commitment to the security of member states.
Power Supply Disruptions
The sabotage of Estlink 2 has significantly reduced Estonia’s power supply, forcing the country to rely on reserve and backup power plants. Elering and Eesti Energia, the country’s two primary energy providers, have reassured the public that electricity supply will remain stable. However, the Estonian prime minister acknowledged the difficulty of safeguarding every square meter of the seabed.
Finland’s Fingrid company, which oversees the cable, estimates that repairs to Estlink 2 could extend until July 2025, highlighting the long-term impact of the incident.
A Pattern of Sabotage
The damage to Estlink 2 marks the third major attack on critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea in just over a month. In addition to the severed data cables, a Chinese ship was previously implicated in rupturing an undersea gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in October 2023.
Both the Yi Peng 3 and Eagle S are suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which the EU accuses of threatening both security and the environment. The bloc is reportedly working on new sanctions targeting this clandestine network.
The Finnish Border Guard confirmed that when the Eagle S was inspected, its anchor was visibly missing, suggesting potential involvement in the cable damage.
Securing the Baltic Amid Rising Tensions
The Baltic Sea has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, with critical infrastructure increasingly targeted. Estonia and Finland, both NATO members, are at the forefront of these efforts, working to ensure the security of their infrastructure while calling for broader international support.
As investigations continue, Estonia and Finland remain vigilant, demonstrating their resolve to protect their sovereignty and maintain stability in the Baltic region. NATO’s increased presence will be crucial in deterring further incidents and reinforcing the security of this strategically vital area.
