NATO has announced plans to enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea following the suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable by a vessel linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The incident has heightened concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the region.

Finnish authorities seized the tanker Eagle S on Thursday after it allegedly damaged the Estlink-2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia. The vessel, flagged in the Cook Islands, is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet - a network of aging tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the increased military presence after discussions with Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the ongoing investigation. 'NATO stands in solidarity with Allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure,' Rutte stated.

The Eagle S, which sailed from a Russian port, is suspected of using its anchor to damage the cable. Finnish investigators reported 24 deficiencies during a recent inspection, including problems with fire safety and navigation systems. The vessel is now being held in Finnish territorial waters, guarded by a missile boat and patrol vessel.

This incident follows a series of similar disruptions to Baltic Sea infrastructure. In recent months, two underwater communication cables were severed - one between Finland and Germany, another between Lithuania and Sweden. Additionally, the Balticconnector gas pipeline connecting Estonia and Finland was damaged in October 2023.

Estonia's Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets emphasized the gravity of the situation: 'We know Russia is systematically conducting hybrid warfare against its neighboring NATO/EU countries. It's time to drop the illusions and face it.'

The shadow fleet, which now comprises approximately 17% of the global oil tanker fleet, has raised concerns beyond sanctions evasion. Security analysts suggest these vessels may be increasingly used for intelligence gathering and infrastructure sabotage as part of Russia's broader hybrid warfare strategy.

In response to the escalating threats, Baltic nations are implementing additional security measures. Estonia has announced increased naval patrols, while Finland is exploring new ways to protect critical infrastructure based on international maritime law.