Sabotage or accident? This is the question that has created a rift between American and European officials as they try to uncover the mystery behind the cutting of two critical undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea. European officials are quick to point the finger at sabotage, while US officials lean more towards the possibility of an accident.
The incident, in which the two cables were severed within hours of each other, has raised concerns among European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that it is highly unlikely that these cables were accidentally severed, echoing the sentiments of many European officials who suspect foul play.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Finland and Germany expressed their serious concern about the incident, suggesting that it could be part of a broader “hybrid warfare” campaign, with Russia being specifically mentioned as a potential perpetrator. This suspicion is not unfounded, as Moscow has been accused of carrying out similar acts of sabotage in various European countries in the past.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the United States had previously issued a warning that Russia might target critical undersea infrastructure, which makes the timing of this incident even more suspicious. Reports of a significant expansion of a Russian clandestine marine unit responsible for surveying the seabed, along with questionable Russian vessel movements in European waters, have only added fuel to the fire.
Despite these concerns, two US officials informed CNN that the initial assessment of the incident did not point to deliberate Russian involvement or that of any other nation. They suggested that the most likely cause of the damage was accidental, possibly from an anchor drag by a passing vessel. While such incidents have occurred in the past, the rapid succession of the two cable cuts on Sunday and Monday is unusual.
In response to the accusations, the Kremlin denied any involvement, dismissing the claims as “laughable” and baseless. However, law enforcement agencies in Finland and Sweden are convinced that the damage was intentional, prompting investigations into suspected sabotage.
Authorities and online investigators have honed in on a Chinese-flagged vessel, the Yi Peng 3, as a key player in the incident. The vessel crossed both cables around the time of the cuts, raising suspicions about its involvement. The ship had recently departed from a Russian port and had been stationary for some time, adding to the mystery surrounding its activities.
While the Danish Armed Forces acknowledged the presence of the Yi Peng 3 in the area, they did not disclose whether they pursued the vessel. The US and Western intelligence officials have also singled out the Yi Peng 3 as the likely culprit, although no concrete connections have been established between the vessel and any state or entity authorizing such actions.
Cinia, the Finnish telecom provider, revised its estimates of the cable cut locations, indicating a correlation with the Yi Peng 3’s trajectory. The vessel is currently anchored in international waters in the Kattegat, just miles away from the coasts of Sweden and Denmark. Its tracking data also shows its passage over other undersea infrastructure in the Baltic region, adding more complexity to the situation.
Amidst these developments, Lin Jian, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, expressed ignorance about the vessel’s involvement when questioned during a press briefing. He emphasized China’s commitment to upholding maritime laws and regulations, as well as its cooperation with the international community in protecting undersea infrastructure.
As investigations continue and suspicions grow, the mystery surrounding the cutting of the undersea cables deepens. The intertwined web of international relations, maritime activities, and technological infrastructure makes this incident a multifaceted challenge for authorities to unravel. As the world watches and waits for answers, the truth behind this unprecedented event remains shrouded in ambiguity.
