EU prepares sanctions against Russian fleet in response to damage to submarine cable
27.12.2024 - 12:56
The European Union is preparing sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” after the damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
This was stated in a joint statement by the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 26.
The EU noted that the damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea is the latest in a series of alleged attacks on critical infrastructure.
“We are grateful to the Finnish authorities for their swift action in boarding the suspect vessel. We are working with the Finnish authorities on the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.
The suspect vessel, as the European Commission emphasizes, is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
“We will propose further measures, including sanctions targeting this fleet,” the statement said.
In particular, in response to these incidents, the bloc intends to strengthen efforts to protect submarine cables, including improved information exchange, new detection technologies, as well as underwater repair capabilities and international cooperation.
Recall that Finland boarded the oil tanker Eagle S, which is suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 submarine power cable connecting the country with Estonia.
