Estonia to ask NATO to deploy 'deterrent fleet' in Baltic Sea after submarine cables cut

Estonia intends to ask NATO to deploy a "deterrent fleet" in the Baltic Sea after the submarine cables were cut, Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.

According to him, consultations on this issue will be held within the framework of Article 4 of the North Atlantic Alliance, which envisages discussion of threats to the security, territorial integrity or political independence of any of the bloc's countries.

"Damage to critical infrastructure is becoming more commonplace, the problem is recurring, which means that countries must better protect their infrastructure and better intercept ships, along with deterrence there must be the ability to more quickly identify the perpetrators," Michal said . He noted that the most important thing is to increase the level of monitoring of potential threats.

The North Atlantic Alliance is ready to help Estonia protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said.

"NATO stands by its allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure. We are following the investigations launched by Estonia and Finland and are ready to provide further support," Rutte said. However, he did not specify what kind of support he was talking about.

In response to the incident, Estonia has deployed the Raju, a naval patrol vessel, to safeguard the Estlink 1 power cable, which remains operational.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur announced the move on X, adding that Estonia is prepared to protect its energy links with Finland "by military means if necessary."

Pevkur also revealed that Estonia has proposed collaboration with Finland on securing the cables and suggested that other Nato allies, such as Sweden, Germany or Poland, might join the effort.

Finnish authorities have boarded and detained the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet", a network of tankers operating without insurance recognised by western countries.

The vessel was observed to slow down when in the vicinity of the cable when it was damaged.

According to the EU, the shadow fleet threatens security and the environment, while simultaneously funding Russia's war chest.

"We propose additional measures, including sanctions targeting this fleet," said Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Earlier this month, the EU approved sanctions against approximately 50 Russian oil tankers linked to the shadow fleet. Efforts to safeguard subsea cables, including enhanced international cooperation, are also being intensified.

The photo shows the tanker, which was boarded by armed Finnish police from the air.