NATO Sees No Evidence of Malicious Damage in Baltic Sea Infrastructure Since Operation Launch

BRUSSELS — Since the inception of its Baltic Sentry operation in January, NATO has not identified any «malicious damage» to vital infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, according to the head of public communications at NATO Maritime Command in statements made to The Moscow Times.

“Baltic Sentry undoubtedly serves as a deterrent. We also know that these illegal operators are aware they’re being closely monitored, which we believe itself acts as a deterrent,” explained Commander Arlo Abrahamson.

In an interview with The Moscow Times during the NATO defense ministers’ meeting at the alliance’s headquarters, Abrahamson warned against interpreting the situation as a complete assurance of safety in the Baltic Sea.

“While we are encouraged by the current situation, it’s essential to recognize that the threat hasn’t been fully eradicated. There remain opportunities for illegal operators or others to instigate accidents and engage in harmful activities, which is precisely why Baltic Sentry continues,” he remarked.

The Baltic Sentry operation commenced after a series of incidents in late 2024, when underwater cables between Estonia and Finland were either damaged or severed by ships inadvertently dropping or dragging their anchors.

With the exception of Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, NATO member states entirely surround the Baltic Sea, including some of the most ardent supporters of Ukraine and advocates for a stronger defense posture.

NATO countries have accused Russia of employing hybrid warfare tactics in the region.

Russia has denied any allegations of intentionally targeting underwater cables in the vicinity. Experts caution that Russia’s deployment of its «shadow fleet» — vessels not registered under its flag — raises questions about whether any damage incurred was accidental or deliberate.

Attacks on underwater infrastructure can significantly disrupt electricity, internet, telecommunications, and gas supplies to nations.

One cable linking Lithuania and Sweden that was severed in November 2023 was responsible for approximately one-third of Lithuania’s internet capacity.

Earlier this month, a Finnish court dismissed a sabotage case against three crew members of the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker that dragged its anchor across the seabed for about 90 kilometers on December 25, 2024. This incident resulted in damage to the EstLink 2 power cable and four telecommunications cables connecting Finland and Estonia, with estimated damages around $70 million.

The question of whether Russia was involved did not come up during the trial.

Baltic Sentry tracks suspicious activities by observing deviations of ships and aircraft from their intended courses.

Abrahamson noted that he did not possess the data to indicate whether the frequency of such activities had declined since January, stating that these levels can vary from week to week or month to month.