German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that damage to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea may be an act of sabotage, characterizing it as a "hybrid action." The severed cables include one connecting Finland and Germany and another linking Lithuania to Sweden’s Gotland Island. This incident has raised concerns amid escalating tensions with Russia.

The damage occurred on Sunday and Monday, with Finnish telecoms firm Cinia indicating that its cable may have been intentionally severed. CEO Riitta Tiuraniemi stated that repairs could take up to 15 days. Arelion, which operates the Lithuania-Sweden cable, anticipates repairs will take a couple of weeks. Swedish Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized the need to determine the cause of the damage.

The timing of the incidents has raised suspicions, particularly in light of recent concerns about sabotage in the region. Last year's explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipeline and the October damage to a natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia have intensified these tensions. Finnish cybersecurity expert Samuli Bergstrom noted that alternative cable routes have helped mitigate the impact on internet traffic.

While various theories circulate, no party has claimed responsibility, and investigations are ongoing. German prosecutors continue to examine the Nord Stream explosions, with unverified speculation about potential involvement from Ukrainian, Russian, or U.S. governments. Finnish officials have attributed the damage to the pipeline in October to an anchor from a Chinese container ship.

As Europe faces growing security concerns, both Germany and Finland have expressed deep apprehension, citing threats stemming from Russia's war and hybrid warfare tactics by malicious actors. These incidents underscore the region's vulnerability to sabotage. Approximately 20% of Lithuania's internet capacity has been affected, and authorities are working to restore connectivity. As investigations continue, officials urge caution, recognizing the complexity involved in attributing responsibility for these events.