Estonia Protects EstLink 1 in Gulf of Finland as NATO Boosts Baltic Presence After Sabotage

Dec 27, 2024, 10:50 AM

Estonia has launched a naval operation in the Gulf of Finland to protect the EstLink 1 undersea electricity cable connecting it to Finland, following suspected sabotage of EstLink 2 on December 25. The Estonian Navy dispatched patrol boats to guard the 105-kilometer subsea power link amid concerns over damage to undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the deployment, emphasizing the need to safeguard critical infrastructure. The Estonian Defense Forces (@Kaitsevagi) are involved in the operation. Finland seized the Russian-linked oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging five cables with its anchor, including EstLink 2. Estonia and Finland have requested NATO to enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance would increase its presence in response to possible sabotage of undersea cables.