Overview

• Finnish investigators have recovered an anchor from the seabed, believed to have been dragged by the Eagle S tanker, causing significant damage to the Estlink-2 power cable and telecommunications lines.
• The Eagle S, part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet circumventing Western oil sanctions, was found missing an anchor and has been detained in Finnish waters for investigation.
• NATO is increasing its Baltic Sea military presence to deter further sabotage efforts targeting critical infrastructure, with patrols expected to continue until at least April.
• The shadow fleet, comprising old and uninsured vessels, has raised concerns over environmental risks and is under scrutiny from Nordic-Baltic nations for compliance with international safety and insurance standards.
• Russia has denied any involvement in the incidents, while Finnish authorities continue to investigate the Eagle S for its role in the cable damage on December 25.