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The recent cutting of critical undersea cables in the Baltic Sea has sparked a contentious debate between American and European officials. While European officials are adamant that the disruption was a deliberate act of sabotage, US officials are leaning towards the theory that it was most likely an accidental incident. As investigators labor to unravel the mystery of how two major internet cables were severed within hours of each other, tensions are running high across the continent.
European leaders, including the Defense Minister of Germany Boris Pistorius, have expressed their skepticism over the idea that the cables were accidentally damaged. The foreign ministers of Finland and Germany have also voiced their concerns, hinting at the possibility of the incident being part of a larger “hybrid warfare” that may be orchestrated by Russia. This speculation is not unfounded, as over the past few years, Europe has encountered numerous acts of sabotage and aggression attributed to Moscow’s hybrid war tactics.
The timing of the cable disruptions is particularly troubling, as it occurred shortly after the US issued a warning about potential threats to critical undersea infrastructure by Russia. This warning came after reports of increased Russian maritime activities in European waters. Despite these warning signs, initial assessments by US officials suggested that the damage to the cables might have been caused by an accidental anchor drag from a passing vessel.
However, law enforcement agencies in Finland and Sweden do not share this view. They firmly believe that the damage was intentional and have launched investigations into suspected sabotage. The Swedish Prosecuting Administration is looking into the matter, while the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has initiated a criminal inquiry into the incident.
A particular vessel, the Chinese-flagged ship Yi Peng 3, has captured the attention of authorities and online investigators. Tracking data indicates that the vessel crossed paths with both cables around the time of the incidents. The Lithuanian Armed Forces reported that the cables were cut at different times, but the vessel’s trajectory raises suspicions.
The Danish Armed Forces have also taken note of the vessel’s movements but have not disclosed any specific actions taken against it. While some US and Western intelligence officials have identified the Yi Peng 3 as a likely culprit, as of now, no concrete evidence linking the vessel to any state or entity that would authorize such activity has been found.
Cinia, a Finnish telecom provider, has updated its estimate of the location of the cut, correlating it with the Yi Peng 3’s trajectory. The vessel is currently anchored in international waters, not far from the coasts of Sweden and Denmark. Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, has denied any knowledge of the incident when questioned during a press briefing. He emphasized China’s commitment to upholding international laws and regulations regarding maritime activities.
The Yi Peng 3, owned by Ningbo YiPeng Shipping Co Ltd., has a history of transporting Russian thermal coal and coal from various Russian ports. While the vessel and its associated entities are not currently under any sanctions, its movements have raised suspicions among analysts and investigators.
As the investigation continues, the debate over whether the cable disruptions were deliberate acts of sabotage or unfortunate accidents rages on. With tensions high between different nations and a potential threat to critical infrastructure looming, finding the truth behind these incidents is crucial to averting further disruptions and maintaining cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world.
