NATO has announced a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea amid rising security concerns
Secretary-General Mark Rutte shared this news during a meeting in Helsinki with leaders from Baltic nations. The mission is called Baltic Sentry, and it aims to bolster security for these vital cables.
Rutte pointed out that over 95% of internet traffic relies on undersea cables, which are crucial for global financial transactions. The mission will involve frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and even naval drones for better surveillance.
While the meeting was happening, reports surfaced about a Russian ship circling a gas pipeline from Norway to Poland. This ship is part of a so-called “shadow fleet,” which consists of older tankers that evade sanctions.
Finland’s President mentioned that they discussed the ship’s presence, but details were kept under wraps. Rutte emphasized that NATO won’t tolerate attacks on its infrastructure and will take necessary actions to prevent them.
The Baltic Sea leaders also issued a warning, stating they reserve the right to act against any vessels that threaten their security. They highlighted that Russia’s shadow fleet poses a significant risk to maritime safety and supports its war efforts in Ukraine.
In response, the leaders committed to deploying new technologies for tracking suspicious vessels and enhancing partnerships with private sector companies. Germany and Sweden have also pledged to contribute naval resources to this mission.
Rutte kept specifics about the operation vague, saying the number of ships could change frequently. He assured that NATO will utilize all available resources to ensure security in the region.
