NATO Launches 'Baltic Sentry' Amid Concerns Over Russian 'Shadow Fleet' in Baltic Sea

Jan 14, 2025, 09:10 AM

Leaders of Baltic Sea NATO member states, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden, convened in Helsinki to address security concerns following incidents of undersea cable damage in the region. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of 'Baltic Sentry,' a new military activity aimed at enhancing maritime presence and monitoring in the Baltic Sea, utilizing frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen suggested that the repeated damage to undersea cables cannot be fully accidental, stating, 'Ships repeatedly damaging cables cannot be accidental,' raising suspicions of state-sponsored sabotage by Russia's 'shadow fleet.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that these incidents must be treated as part of a hybrid strategy. The alliance pledged to increase military presence and technological innovations to protect critical infrastructure. Finland's President Alexander Stubb stated that any attack against infrastructure will be met with a robust and determined response. The summit underscored the need for coordinated efforts to secure the Baltic Sea amid rising geopolitical tensions.