A submarine fibre-optic cable in the Baltic Sea near Liepāja, Latvia, was damaged in early January, disrupting the main internet link connecting Latvia and Lithuania to Scandinavia. According to LRT reports, the incident likely occurred on January 2 and was first detected by Lithuanian authorities, who promptly informed their Latvian counterparts. Internet services in Latvia were not affected as traffic was rerouted through alternative routes. Initial investigations suggested a vessel may have caused the damage while manoeuvring in the area, but Latvian authorities later found no evidence directly linking any ship to the cable break. The investigation is ongoing.
Repeated incidents highlight regional vulnerability
The damage comes amid a series of disruptions in the Baltic Sea affecting both energy and communications infrastructure. Previous cases include sabotage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and the Estlink 2 energy cable in the Gulf of Finland. In response, NATO launched the “Baltic Guardian” mission to patrol key areas and protect critical underwater infrastructure. Analysts note that such incidents expose the vulnerability of digital and energy networks vital to the EU’s financial systems, government operations, and integrated digital space.
Geopolitical context and hybrid threat concerns
Although there is no conclusive evidence linking the latest cable damage near Liepāja to deliberate actions, the repeated pattern of incidents in the region fuels suspicion, particularly regarding Russian involvement. Past cases, including the December 31 detention of the vessel Fitburg in Finland for suspected sabotage of a telecom cable to Estonia, and the earlier damage to the Estlink 2 electric cable by the tanker Eagle S, have been widely attributed to Russian hybrid operations. Such acts are understood as attempts to exert pressure and create uncertainty without direct military engagement.
Strengthening resilience and international coordination
The incident underscores the need for sustained investment in the protection of undersea infrastructure, combining technical safeguards with international coordination. Early-warning systems, rapid investigation protocols, and joint security measures are considered essential to reducing risk and enhancing regional resilience. NATO and Baltic states continue to prioritise these measures to deter potential sabotage, maintain continuity of critical communications, and uphold collective security in the face of hybrid threats.
