Finland’s Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) is advocating for an unbiased approach to evaluating events involving damage to underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. SUPO has emphasized that neither they nor their European counterparts have observed any indications of Russian involvement or that of its proxies in a specific incident related to the damage of a telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland.
Furthermore, in an interview with the Finnish broadcaster Yle, SUPO pointed to an unfavorable trend of groundlessly blaming its northern neighbor for all manner of problems. According to SUPO, not every incident should be assessed as a result of Russian influence. The evaluation of events must be based on verified data and actual occurrences rather than unwarranted speculation.
According to SUPO, ships accidentally damaging underwater cables and pipelines is a relatively common occurrence, particularly in challenging weather conditions, but previously such events did not carry such significant repercussions. The rise in the number of incidents is explained by the increasing volume of objects being placed underwater by nations and corporations. The heightened attention given to such incidents today is linked to the tense political atmosphere.
This impartial approach by SUPO unequivocally contributes to reducing tensions and minimizing the risks of an escalating conflict situation in the Baltic region.