The cargo ship Vezhen is anchored for inspection by Swedish authorities off Karlskrona, Sweden, 27 January 2025. Photo: News Agency/Johan Nilsson via REUTERS.
On 26 January, another sabotage took place in the Baltic Sea, when an unknown vessel damaged an important underwater fibre-optic cable of the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre. The Swedish authorities detained the Chinese-owned Vezhen, suspecting it of involvement in the attack. This incident once again underscores the threats that Russia continues to pose in the Baltic. According to Finnish analyst Joel Linnainmäki, NATO and Western countries must take decisive action to deter Russian hybrid threats. He proposes four key steps that will help strengthen security in the region, Time Ukraine Israel portal reports, citing Liga.
1. Strengthening sanctions and control over Russia’s oil supplies
According to Linnaeus, the first step for NATO should be to strengthen control over the trade in Russian oil. The EU and the US should increase sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, which is actively used to circumvent international restrictions. In addition, the West should put pressure on OPEC countries to increase global oil production and reduce its price, which will be of strategic importance for limiting Russia’s resources.
2. Diplomatic pressure on countries supporting Russia’s shadow fleet
Linnaimäki emphasises the importance of increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on the countries whose flags Russian tankers fly. This, according to the analyst, will stop some of the operations carried out under the cover of these states and will have a significant impact on the activities of the “shadow fleet” in the Baltic.
3. Legal and financial consequences for those involved in sabotage
As a third step, Mr Linnainmäki suggests imposing legal and financial sanctions against the crews and captains of Russian tankers. He believes that all those involved in such operations should be aware that sabotage or other acts against infrastructure will have serious legal consequences, including fines and lawsuits. Such measures should serve as a deterrent to those who may be involved in illegal activities.
4. Strengthening Western support for Ukraine
The fourth step involves strengthening Western support for Ukraine. Linnaimäki emphasises the importance of the world continuing to demonstrate its resolve to support Ukraine, even under the pressure of Russia’s hybrid operations. This will send a clear message to the Kremlin that Russia will not be able to weaken the unity and resolve of its opponents through subversive actions in the Baltic Sea.
Against the backdrop of this incident, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur proposed a new idea: the introduction of a special tax for shipping companies using the Baltic Sea. This tax, according to Pevkur, will help cover the high costs of protecting submarine cables and increase security in the region.
The steps proposed by Joel Linnainmäki are important for strengthening NATO’s defence in the Baltic Sea and can help deter Russia from further destabilising actions in this strategic region. Given the growing hybrid threats, Ukraine and its allies need to act in a coordinated manner and without hesitation.
