Yesterday morning, a bulk-carrier with a Maltese flag called “Michalis San” traveling to Russia from Spain, cut the fibre-optic cable of the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre in the Baltic Sea. Around three bulk carriers were in the area where the cable linking Sweden and Latvia was cut. Swedish authorities have apprehended the Michalis San.
This is just the latest sabotage attack against European undersea water cables in the recent months as part of Russia’s hybrid war against Europe. A Chinese ship was also involved in a sabotage attack against a Danish cable last year, but the Danish authorities allowed the ship to leave with no repercussions. The Chinese are also cutting telecommunication cables of Taiwan.
European Commissioner President Ursula von Der Leyen had very little to say about the incident but offered her “solidarity”. The EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas also had few words to offer. Later today a European Foreign Ministers Council will convene and the EU Representative will raise the issue. Hungary and Slovakia who support Russia will also be present for the meeting along with other European Foreign Ministers.
The Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said that they are investigating the incident with NATO after having called an emergency cabinet meeting. The Swedish Prime Minister issued a statement on similar lines.
Newsroom
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