Poland has proposed a police mission to safeguard infrastructure in the Baltic Sea following recent incidents that suggest sabotage. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made this proposal at a summit involving Nordic and Baltic states, citing damage to telecommunications cables between Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania. These incidents have raised suspicions of deliberate attacks, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius labeling them as sabotage, and a Chinese vessel, Yi Peng 3, coming under scrutiny.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been several cases in the Baltic Sea hinting at possible sabotage, including the unexplained explosions damaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The recent cable damages have intensified concerns about the region's security, prompting calls for enhanced protection measures. Poland's proposal suggests marine patrols by Western allies to monitor and secure the area.
The summit also addressed broader regional security issues, such as NATO military spending and the defense of Ukraine. Both Finland and Sweden are forming a joint investigation team to delve into the suspicious cable incidents, while the EU emphasizes the need for coordinated actions and legal frameworks to protect critical infrastructure.
Amidst these developments, the potential security risks posed by offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea have also been highlighted by the Swedish military. As regional tensions with Russia continue, the Baltic states, along with Poland, are considering stronger sanctions against Moscow to deter further aggression.
