INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Swedish authorities said Friday that they were investigating suspected damage to an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea, following a series
of incidents that some observers believe are acts of sabotage linked to Russia.Finnish operator Cinia reported "some disturbance" on its
C-Lion 1 communications cable, which connects Finland and Germany."However, the disturbance does not affect the functionality of
telecommunications connections running in the cable and the data traffic continues flowing normally," Cinia said in a statement, adding that
the cause was still under investigation.The same cable was previously cut in November, with suspicions falling on a Chinese vessel.The
latest incident adds to growing concerns over damage to cables and other critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea amid heightened tensions
an investigation into suspected "sabotage" following reports of damage east of the Swedish island of Gotland."We have opened a preliminary
investigation into a suspected broken cable in the Baltic Sea and within the Swedish economic zone," Rutegard said.Police later said they
had "no suspect" at this stage.Swedish coast guard spokeswoman Karin Cars confirmed that a ship had been sent to the site and was assisting
with the crime scene investigation.Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a post on X that the government was closely monitoring the
situation."We take all reports of possible damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea very seriously
As I have said before, they must be seen in the context of the serious security situation," Kristersson wrote.The European Commission
announced Friday that it would tighten security requirements for underwater cables, prioritize financing for advanced cable deployment and
enhance capabilities for rapid repairs.It also vowed to enforce sanctions against "hostile actors" and vessels within Russia's "shadow
