Published on 24/11/2024 22:11
Reading time: 1min – video: 2min
Geopolitics: Russia accused of damaging submarine cables
Geopolitics: Russia accused of damaging submarine cables
(France 2)
Most of the planet's communications data, including the Internet, passes under the oceans using submarine cables. For several days, six European countries have accused Russia of sabotage in the Baltic Sea.
The Yi Peng 3 is a Chinese commercial ship which is now immobilized. He is closely monitored by the Danish navy because he is suspected in the affair of damaged submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. Its beacon allows us to retrace its route: on November 15, the Yi Peng 3 left Russia. Two days later, a cable connecting Sweden and Lithuania was cut. The boat is just above the impact. The next day, another cable connecting Finland to Germany was cut: once again, the ship was above the area.
“If an anchor falls and collides with a submarine cable of this size (…) this anchor can easily destroy it”explains boat expert Hans Otto Homegaard Kristensen. Six European countries, including France, accuse Russia of having acted covertly. Some see this as the start of a hybrid war because these cables provide 99% of the global Internet connection. France holds a third of the market. Today, no body regulates the laying or monitoring of submarine cables.
Watch the full report in the video above
