In the Baltic Sea damage to two underwater cables has raised suspicions of intentional harmful actions. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called the incidents a probable act of sabotage, highlighting that no one is considering it an accident.
The first damaged cable, connecting Finland and Germany, with a length of 1170 km, was reported on November 18. The second incident involved the Internet line between Lithuania and the Swedish island of Gotland, measuring 218 km, which ceased functioning on November 17.Damaged underwater cables
The Defense Ministers of Sweden and Lithuania, Pal Yonson and Laurinas Kaschunas, expressed deep concern regarding the situation. They emphasized that such incidents should be viewed in the context of a growing threat in the region and suggested applying sanctions in response to acts of sabotage.
Finland and Germany have also voiced serious concerns over the damage to cable C-Lion1, highlighting that these incidents not only jeopardize European security due to the political situation but also due to hybrid threats from unfriendly nations.
Experts have suggested that the underwater cable damage may have been caused by external factors, as such breakdowns in these waters are uncommon without outside intervention. The company responsible for the cables estimates that repairs could take between 5 to 15 days to complete.
Sweden and Finland have launched official investigations into the incidents. The Swedish prosecutor’s office has described the situation as a possible act of sabotage, noting that the investigation is in its early stages. The exact locations of the damage are still unknown. Meanwhile, the Aralion company, responsible for the line with Lithuania, expects the repairs to be completed within a few weeks.
The incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure. Despite the damage, consumers in Lithuania have yet to experience significant disruptions, although the country’s throughput has decreased by approximately 20%.
While experts acknowledge that underwater cables can sometimes be damaged by fishing vessels, the timing of the two incidents has raised doubts. Finnish representatives have stated that the damage to the Finland-German cable has not impacted internet traffic as alternative routes are