Sweden launched an investigation on January 26 to look into disruptions in data transmission on telecommunication cables connecting Latvia’s city of Ventspils and Sweden’s Gotland Island. Suspicions are being raised about damage to the cables at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, also managing internet traffic, by Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Swedish authorities initiated an investigation on January 26 to examine disruptions in data transmission on telecommunication cables connecting Latvia’s city of Ventspils and Sweden’s Gotland Island. Sweden’s official news agency TT pointed out that the cable breakage is part of an increasing chain of damages to underwater cables in the region. The damaged cable is indicated to provide a connection between Germany and Finland, and recent incidents have heightened concerns about Russian sabotage and espionage activities in the region. Details about the incident have not yet been disclosed.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) is preparing to establish a repair fleet to swiftly deal with interruptions caused by attacks on underwater cables. Security for critical infrastructure containing underwater electric and internet cables will be enhanced. New technologies such as smart cables will be utilized in new connections. DID RUSSIA’S SHADOW FLEET DO IT?

According to the Latvian National Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), disruptions occurred in data transmission on telecommunication cables connecting Latvia’s city of Ventspils and Sweden’s Gotland Island in the morning hours of January 26. Vineta Sprugaine, Corporate Communications Manager at LVRTC, stated that after inspections on the telecommunication networks, they estimate that the cables suffered significant damage due to “external factors.” Finnish electricity grid operator Fingrid reported an interruption in the connection of the EstLink 2 electricity grid between Finland and Estonia and 4 telecommunication cables under the Baltic Sea on December 25, 2024. Finnish Border Guard officials claimed that a ship belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” passed through the region at the time of the disruption. The European Union (EU) held Russia responsible for the network disruptions in the Baltic Sea, while NATO announced a new mission to protect underwater telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea from any form of sabotage and threats. Allegations suggest that Russia has established a covert fleet composed of inadequate and old tankers to secretly transport oil and goods in defiance of Europe’s sanctions.