The Baltic Sea continues to be a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, with another critical infrastructure incident underscoring hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia. Swedish authorities recently reported damage to the NordBalt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, a 453-kilometer-long undersea link connecting Sweden and Lithuania. The damage, allegedly caused by the anchor dragging of the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, follows a series of similar incidents targeting telecommunications and energy networks in the region.
This is not an isolated event. Last year, Yi Peng 3 was implicated in damage to telecommunications cables linking Sweden, Lithuania, and Germany to Finland. Such incidents have sparked heightened security measures, with Lithuania’s military now increasing surveillance of NordBalt.
The Baltic Sea has become a theater of Russia’s hybrid warfare, according to Grzegorz Kuczyński, an expert on Eastern Europe. “These provocations are part of Russia’s preparation for a conventional conflict with the West,” Kuczyński told Niezależna.pl. He highlighted the link between these actions and Russia’s broader strategies during the war in Ukraine, noting sabotage efforts aimed at disrupting Western support for Kyiv.
NATO’s response has been significant. The alliance recently launched the “Baltic Watch,” deploying frigates and patrol aircraft to safeguard regional infrastructure. This step signals a growing recognition of the Baltic’s strategic importance, although challenges remain. Despite NATO’s expanded focus on the region, Kuczyński warns that Russia’s military buildup in areas like Kaliningrad and the Leningrad Oblast continues unabated.
While the presence of NATO forces may deter further acts of sabotage, experts caution against complacency. The Baltic, often termed NATO’s “internal lake” following the accession of Finland and Sweden, remains a contested zone where vigilance is crucial. As NATO strengthens its defenses, regional actors hope these measures will curb future provocations and safeguard critical infrastructure.