NATO boosts Baltic Sea presence amid Finnish sabotage probe
The NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced an increase in the Alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea after a conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, announced on Friday that the Alliance will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea. This decision was made after a conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Rutte shared this on his account on platform X, emphasizing that the discussion involved the ongoing Finnish investigation into possible sabotage of undersea cables. "I expressed full solidarity and support," Rutte stated.
Interruption of the cable between Finland and Estonia
On Wednesday, the Estlink 2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia was disrupted. Finnish authorities suspect that the incident involves the tanker Eagle S, part of the so-called Russian shadow fleet. The European Commission has announced additional sanctions against the shadow fleet, which transports Russian oil in an effort to circumvent EU sanctions.
Rutte emphasized that "NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea." This decision is a response to rising tensions in the region and actions by Russia that concern the Alliance's member countries. The European Commission also plans to introduce additional sanctions to counter Russia's attempts to bypass EU restrictions.
The increase in NATO's military presence in the Baltic Sea aims to enhance security in the region and support Finland amidst the ongoing investigation. Rutte assured of the Alliance's full solidarity with Finland, which seeks to demonstrate NATO's unity and determination in the face of threats.
