A subsea telecommunications cable and gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia have suffered damage, prompting concerns about potential sabotage. The Finnish government initiated an investigation into the incident, which occurred with a significant drop in pressure detected by network operators.
Although the cause of the damage remains uncertain, Finnish authorities suspect “external activity” as the likely reason. While there are suggestions that Russia may have played a role in the damage, both the Finnish President’s office and Prime Minister emphasize the importance of a thorough investigation before drawing any conclusions.
The Balticconnector gas pipeline, which was established in 2020 to link the Estonian and Finnish gas grids, was temporarily shut down following the damage. Given the relative youth of the pipeline, experts anticipate a lengthy repair process, possibly taking months. The subsea cable damage also affects telecommunications connectivity in the area. NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, confirmed that information regarding the damage is being shared with both Finland and Estonia, two member states of the alliance.
Despite the concerns surrounding the incident, Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, reassured the public that the nation’s energy supply remains stable, and the damage to the telecommunications cable will not have a significant impact on overall connectivity.
While speculation arises regarding Russia’s involvement, Finnish and Estonian seismologists reported no seismic activity indicative of an explosion. The investigation continues, with government ships, merchant vessels, and warships in the vicinity monitored for further information that could shed light on the incident’s origins.
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