A mysterious sabotage of an underwater cable linking Finland and Estonia involves a Russian oil tanker. Finnish authorities seized the suspect vessel, revealing in the process the existence of an enigmatic “ghost fleet” used to circumvent sanctions. The investigation has only just begun, but tensions are escalating in the Baltic Sea…
This is an incident which risks further inflaming the already high tensions in the Baltic Sea. According to exclusive information obtained by our editorial staff, a Russian tanker suspected of being involved in the sabotage of an underwater cable linking Finland to Estonia has been seized by the Finnish authorities. A punch operation which raises many questions about Moscow’s actions in this strategic area.
The mysterious “Eagle S” in the sights of the Finnish police
The ship at the heart of the affair, theEagle Swas reportedly arrested on December 26, shortly after the suspicious breakage of a major submarine telecommunications cable located in the Gulf of Finland. According to our sources, this Russian-flagged tanker had been closely monitored by Western intelligence services for several weeks.
Suspicions quickly fell on its membership in an enigmatic “ghost fleet”, a network of ships used to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia. A practice which seems to have intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and which significantly complicates the task of the authorities.
A high voltage area
In recent months, the Baltic Sea has become the scene of multiple incidents involving energy and communications infrastructure. Oil pipelines, gas pipelines, data cables… So many potential targets in this shadow war between Russia and Western countries, with the Baltic countries on the front line.
We are witnessing a real increase in dangers in the region. Acts of sabotage are increasing and it is increasingly difficult to clearly identify the perpetrators.A European diplomat on condition of anonymity
Kilpilahti port transformed into crime scene
Escorted by the coast guard, the Eagle S was finally diverted to the port of Kilpilahti, around forty kilometers from the capital Helsinki. It was there, in this small, usually peaceful port town, that Finnish investigators began their investigations, under the watchful eye of Western secret services.
Samples, seizure of documents, interrogations… The police on site hope to gather enough evidence to confuse the crew, and potentially establish a direct link with the Kremlin. An arduous task as Russia seems to have perfected its methods of covering its tracks.
A diplomatic and legal puzzle
Beyond the purely technical aspects, this affair raises delicate legal and diplomatic questions. What legislation should be applied to these “ghost ships” operating on the margins of international law? How can a State be held responsible when formal proof is lacking? So many challenges that are giving European chancelleries a cold sweat.
For now, Moscow denies any involvement, denouncing a “gross provocation” and a “disinformation campaign” aimed at sullying its image. But behind the scenes, nervousness seems to be spreading among Russian power circles, aware that a major scandal could further weaken Vladimir Putin’s regime.
The specter of uncontrollable escalation
Sabotage, boardings, all-out investigations… The Eagle S affair illustrates the extent to which the Baltic Sea has become a veritable powder keg, where the slightest incident is likely to trigger a military escalation with potentially catastrophic consequences.
We are facing an immense collective challenge. We must at all costs prevent the situation from degenerating, because open confrontation in the region would have terrible repercussions for the whole of Europe.A senior NATO official
A call for restraint which unfortunately risks remaining a dead letter as strategic and economic interests are so important. With the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the data cables that crisscross its bottom, the Baltic Sea concentrates crucial issues for the entire continent. Enough to stir up desires and tensions.
While waiting to see more clearly about Russian actions in the region, Western capitals are holding their breath. Because the risk of conflagration has perhaps never been so high since the end of the Cold War. One thing is certain: this incident on the high seas risks leaving lasting traces, and further complicating the establishment of a hypothetical peace process in Ukraine.
A case to follow very closely
The mysterious sabotage of the Finnish-Estonian cable has brutally reminded us to what extent the hybrid war that Russia is waging is a reality with which we will have to deal in the long term. Espionage, disinformation, dirty tricks… The arsenal deployed by the Kremlin to destabilize its Western adversaries seems limitless.
Faced with this diffuse threat, it is more crucial than ever for European countries to strengthen their cooperation in intelligence and security. Monitor, track, anticipate… This is the titanic challenge that awaits our services in the months and years to come. With the deep hope that one day, the Baltic Sea will once again become the sea of peace and prosperity that its residents dreamed of in the aftermath of the fall of the Wall.
One thing is certain: the revelations about the actions of the Eagle S are undoubtedly only the tip of an immense iceberg. Monitor our columns because our editorial team will follow with the greatest attention the rest of the investigations carried out by the Finnish authorities. Because it’s a safe bet that other surprises await us in this burning issue.
For now, Moscow denies any involvement, denouncing a “gross provocation” and a “disinformation campaign” aimed at sullying its image. But behind the scenes, nervousness seems to be spreading among Russian power circles, aware that a major scandal could further weaken Vladimir Putin’s regime.
The specter of uncontrollable escalation
Sabotage, boardings, all-out investigations… The Eagle S affair illustrates the extent to which the Baltic Sea has become a veritable powder keg, where the slightest incident is likely to trigger a military escalation with potentially catastrophic consequences.
We are facing an immense collective challenge. We must at all costs prevent the situation from degenerating, because open confrontation in the region would have terrible repercussions for the whole of Europe.A senior NATO official
A call for restraint which unfortunately risks remaining a dead letter as strategic and economic interests are so important. With the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the data cables that crisscross its bottom, the Baltic Sea concentrates crucial issues for the entire continent. Enough to stir up desires and tensions.
While waiting to see more clearly about Russian actions in the region, Western capitals are holding their breath. Because the risk of conflagration has perhaps never been so high since the end of the Cold War. One thing is certain: this incident on the high seas risks leaving lasting traces, and further complicating the establishment of a hypothetical peace process in Ukraine.
A case to follow very closely
The mysterious sabotage of the Finnish-Estonian cable has brutally reminded us to what extent the hybrid war that Russia is waging is a reality with which we will have to deal in the long term. Espionage, disinformation, dirty tricks… The arsenal deployed by the Kremlin to destabilize its Western adversaries seems limitless.
Faced with this diffuse threat, it is more crucial than ever for European countries to strengthen their cooperation in matters of intelligence and security. Monitor, track, anticipate… This is the titanic challenge that awaits our services in the months and years to come. With the deep hope that one day, the Baltic Sea will once again become the sea of peace and prosperity that its residents dreamed of in the aftermath of the fall of the Wall.
One thing is certain: the revelations about the actions of the Eagle S are undoubtedly only the tip of an immense iceberg. Monitor our columns because our editorial team will follow with the greatest attention the rest of the investigations carried out by the Finnish authorities. Because it’s a safe bet that other surprises await us in this burning issue.
