In December 2024, an underwater cable between Estonia and Finland was damaged, allegedly by the anchor of the oil tanker 'Eagle S' which was observed dragging its anchor over the seabed. The tanker departed from Saint Petersburg and its crew was interrogated by Finnish authorities. German security expert Moritz Brake and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have strongly indicated Russian involvement, framing these acts as part of Russia's increasingly aggressive hybrid warfare targeting Western interests and critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Additional hybrid warfare manifestations include Russian airspace violations over Finland, GPS signal jamming in the Baltic states affecting aviation, and repeated damage to vital power and data cables on the seabed. The German government, supported by NATO, is investing in maritime monitoring through a tactical headquarters in Rostock staffed by multinational personnel and has increased naval patrols. The head of Germany's BND intelligence agency, Bruno Kahl, warned of heightened hybrid attacks with potential NATO alliance implications. Berlin remains cautious about declaring a NATO collective defense invocation, with government spokespeople emphasizing close coordination among allies but awaiting clearer thresholds to define red lines. Experts and politicians call for more resolute action against Russian espionage and sabotage in the Baltic region. Despite ongoing investigations, sabotage operations in the Baltic Sea show little sign of abating.

In December 2024, an underwater cable between Estonia and Finland was damaged, allegedly by the anchor of the oil tanker 'Eagle S' which was observed dragging its anchor over the seabed. The tanker departed from Saint Petersburg and its crew was interrogated by Finnish authorities. German security expert Moritz Brake and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have strongly indicated Russian involvement, framing these acts as part of Russia's increasingly aggressive hybrid warfare targeting Western interests and critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Additional hybrid warfare manifestations include Russian airspace violations over Finland, GPS signal jamming in the Baltic states affecting aviation, and repeated damage to vital power and data cables on the seabed. The German government, supported by NATO, is investing in maritime monitoring through a tactical headquarters in Rostock staffed by multinational personnel and has increased naval patrols. The head of Germany's BND intelligence agency, Bruno Kahl, warned of heightened hybrid attacks with potential NATO alliance implications. Berlin remains cautious about declaring a NATO collective defense invocation, with government spokespeople emphasizing close coordination among allies but awaiting clearer thresholds to define red lines. Experts and politicians call for more resolute action against Russian espionage and sabotage in the Baltic region. Despite ongoing investigations, sabotage operations in the Baltic Sea show little sign of abating.