Finnish and Estonian authorities have concluded that damaged infrastructure in the Baltic Sea was most likely caused by human activity, potentially sabotage. The Finnish police believe the gas pipeline was damaged by a „mechanical” impact, and suspicion is currently placed on nearby ships, particularly a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship and an underwater telecommunications cable belonging to Finnish company Elisa. Two Russian ships, Rosatom and Newnew Polar Bear, were also involved in the incident.
Russia denies any involvement in the damage, and Rosatom’s ship cannot be at fault due to the constant speed of the ship during the crossing of the Balticconnector. The focus of the investigation is the Chinese ship closest to the Balticconnector when the damage occurred, and a heavy object possibly related to the incident was also found in the seabed.
While there are no direct accusations of Russian involvement in the damage, suspicions remain. Charlie Salonius-Pasternak, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of Foreign Affairs, suggested that Russia’s motive for such action could be to test the reaction of new Nato member state Finland and its allies. The alliance’s defense ministers discussed the alliance’s response, with Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds stating that one of the lines of action is to increase the military presence for the protection of infrastructure.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
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