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Finnish authorities have detained a vessel allegedly linked to Russia as they investigate whether its anchor caused damage to a crucial power cable and several data cables beneath the sea on December 25, 2024.

The incident marks the latest in a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, raising concerns about security and the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s actions amid the war in Ukraine.

Finnish police and border guards boarded the vessel, named Eagle S, taking control of its command bridge, Helsinki Police Chief Jari Liukku confirmed in a press briefing. The Eagle S, flagged in the Cook Islands, was detained while still within Finnish territorial waters. Authorities believe the ship, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” may have been responsible for the damage to the Estlink-2 power cable that links Finland and Estonia, as well as other submarine cables.

Finnish customs officials and the European Union’s executive commission have identified the Eagle S as one of the vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet, an aging group of ships used to circumvent Western sanctions. These vessels, often with obscure ownership and without proper insurance, have raised concerns due to their safety risks and potential environmental hazards. The shadow fleet is believed to be an important part of Russia’s strategy to avoid sanctions while funding its ongoing war efforts in Ukraine.

According to reports from Finnish police, investigators suspect the Eagle S’s anchor caused the damage to the Estlink-2 power cable. The cable, which provides vital electricity from Finland to Estonia, was knocked out on Wednesday, leaving experts to question whether the damage was intentional. Finland and Estonia have both condemned the attack, highlighting it as part of a growing trend of attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic region.

European Union foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed concern over the escalating disruptions to key infrastructure, calling the damage to the power cable the “latest in a series of suspected attacks.” In a statement, Kallas praised Finnish authorities for their swift action in detaining the vessel, noting that such incidents threaten both security and the environment.

“The Eagle S is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which threatens security and the environment while funding Russia’s war budget,” Kallas said. “We will propose further measures, including sanctions, to target this fleet.”

This recent damage to the Estlink-2 power cable follows a broader pattern of disruptions to critical infrastructure in the region. Last November, two data cables running between Finland and Germany, and between Lithuania and Sweden, were severed in what many experts believe were acts of sabotage. In a speech addressing these concerns, Germany’s defense minister suggested that hybrid warfare tactics were at play, though no direct evidence has been presented to attribute the damage to any specific actor.

The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, which were severely damaged by underwater explosions, further exacerbated concerns. Investigations into the attack on the pipelines continue, with authorities labeling it an act of sabotage, though no definitive conclusions have been reached about the perpetrators.

Estonia’s government responded quickly to the latest damage, holding an emergency session to address the crisis. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need for increased monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure. “The shadow tankers are helping Russia to earn funds that will aid Russian hybrid attacks,” Michal said. “We need to improve the monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure both on land and on sea.”

Repairs to the Estlink-2 cable could take up to seven months, according to officials from the Estonian government. The damage has raised alarms about the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure in the Baltic, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of these disruptions. Estonia’s President Alar Karis also weighed in, suggesting that the repeated damage to infrastructure could signal a systemic threat rather than isolated accidents.

Had a phone conversation with the President of Finland, @alexstubb, on how to better safeguard Baltic Sea infrastructure. #Estonia and #Finland will cooperate closely to ensure effective solutions to shared security concerns affecting the Baltic Sea.

— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) December 27, 2024

“Repeated damage to Baltic Sea infrastructure signals a systemic threat, not mere accidents,” President Karis said on social media platform X. “Estonia will take action to counter this threat, together with Finland and other NATO allies.”

In the wake of the damage, Estonian network operator Elering assured the public that there is enough spare capacity to meet power demands on the Estonian side for the time being, according to ERR, the country’s public broadcaster. However, the longer-term impact of the damage, especially on data and energy security, remains unclear.

This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea region, where the combination of Russia’s military actions, hybrid warfare tactics, and a deliberate disruption of critical infrastructure are raising alarms across Europe. With key allies like Finland and Estonia on alert, European leaders are now focusing on fortifying their defenses against future attacks on critical infrastructure, both under the sea and on land.