NATO boosts Baltic Sea presence amid rising tensions
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced an increase in the Alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea after discussing it with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, announced on Friday that the Alliance will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea. This decision was made after a discussion with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Rutte shared this information on his account on platform X, emphasising that the conversation focused on Finland's ongoing investigation into possible sabotage of undersea cables. "I expressed full solidarity and support," Rutte noted.
Interruption of the cable between Finland and Estonia
On Wednesday, the Estlink 2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia was disrupted. Finnish authorities suspect that the incident involves the tanker Eagle S, part of the so-called Russian shadow fleet. The European Commission has announced additional sanctions against the shadow fleet, which transports Russian oil attempting to circumvent EU restrictions.
Rutte emphasised that "NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea." This decision responds to rising tensions in the region and actions by Russia that concern the Alliance's member countries. The European Commission also plans to introduce further sanctions to counter Russia's attempts to bypass EU restrictions.
The increase in NATO's military presence in the Baltic Sea aims to enhance security in the region and support Finland in its ongoing investigation. Rutte assured of the Alliance's full solidarity with Finland, which aims to demonstrate NATO's unity and determination in the face of threats.
