Amid escalating tensions between the West and Russia, concerns over national security have intensified following the alleged sabotage of an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia. The incident occurred on Christmas when a Cook Island-flagged ship, the Eagle S, reportedly severed the Estlink-2 cable, a key link in European energy networks.

Western officials are raising alarms about the Eagle S, suggesting that it is part of a Russian shadow fleet aimed at bypassing Western sanctions. This concerns follow three similar incidents in European waters since 2023, which have implicated Chinese vessels in damaging cables. European leaders are adamant that these are not isolated incidents. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, warned of a “deliberate pattern” aimed at causing damage to digital and energy infrastructures.

In recent years, Russia has faced accusations of engaging in acts of sabotage against undersea infrastructure. Most notably, the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines has exacerbated tensions with the West. It is reported that the Eagle S was seized by Finnish authorities and is currently being investigated, but minimal disruption occurred as a result of the damage to the Estlink-2 cable.

Concerns extend beyond this incident. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace cautions that undersea cables, vital for global internet connectivity, are increasingly at risk from both physical and cyber threats. European officials are now calling for enhancements in NATO’s military presence in the Baltic region, including improved protections for undersea infrastructure.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the incidents as a “wake-up call,” emphasizing that reckless activities involving anchors by ships can lead to significant damage to critical infrastructure. NATO had previously alerted member states that Russia had been mapping undersea cables, indicating a need for formidable protection against potential attacks.

In light of these developments, experts urge the international community to bolster efforts in securing this critical infrastructure. Research from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) underscores the importance of investing in the repair and security of undersea cables, which are seen as a “theater of great power competition.” The increasing threats from Russia and China pose a significant challenge, prompting calls for a unified response to safeguard these essential networks.

Ultimately, the integrity of undersea cables—critical arteries for information and energy—requires immediate attention and protection from all relevant stakeholders to prevent further acts of sabotage and maintain international security.