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Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced that the country is intensifying efforts to counter Russia’s “shadow fleet” and confirmed that NATO will deploy two ships to the Baltic Sea.
Speaking to Finnish broadcaster Yle, Valtonen emphasized that NATO’s broader presence in the Baltic Sea has a calming and stabilizing effect. She expressed Finland’s satisfaction with the decision to send the two ships.
Finland also plans to increase control over ships, including insurance checks, though some inspections will remain voluntary. In addition to NATO’s ships, Valtonen highlighted the need for more technical surveillance in the Baltic Sea.
“Finland has long been concerned about the risks to environmental and maritime safety posed by Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ It is clear that the ‘shadow fleet’ also poses a threat to critical underwater infrastructure,” she noted.
Valtonen stressed that Finland is responding decisively to this threat. One such response will be next week’s NATO meeting on Baltic Sea security.
According to Valtonen, no reform of international maritime law is currently underway, so Finland seeks solutions within existing agreements, emphasizing the interpretation of maritime law.
Background:
On December 25, the high-voltage Estlink 2 underwater cable sustained mechanical damage, likely caused by the anchor of the Russian-associated tanker Eagle S, part of the “shadow fleet.” Repairs to the power line are expected to take approximately six months.
Subsequently, Estonia identified issues with several communication cables and decided to deploy patrol ships to protect its energy connection with Finland.
On January 5, the Swedish Navy’s specialized ship HMS Belos arrived in the Gulf of Finland to investigate the cable damage. The vessel successfully located and retrieved the anchor, confirmed to belong to the Eagle S tanker.
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