"Estonian Defense Forces have launched a naval operation to protect the EstLink 1 undersea cable," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced on social media.
His post came after the Estlink 2 cable between Estonia and Finland was severed on Wednesday, with Russia being blamed for the damage, according to media reports.
The Estonian foreign minister emphasized that the actions taken are intended to ensure the security and stability of energy supplies, although he did not reveal details of the operation, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
NATO 'condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure'
In response to the incident, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Estonia and Finland, saying that the alliance "condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure."
Rutte wrote in an X post on Thursday that he spoke with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal "about reported possible sabotage of Baltic Sea cables." He declared that "NATO stands in solidarity with Allies" and is "ready to provide further support."
Oil tanker detained over suspected damage to Estlink2 cable
Finnish authorities on Thursday detained the oil tanker EagleS, suspected of damaging the Estlink2 cable connecting Finland and Estonia.
The EagleS ship, flying the flag of the Cook Islands, is believed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet, a group of tankers transporting Russian oil. The ship reportedly slowed down at the time of the cable malfunction, although the interruption in the connection did not affect Finland's electricity supply, news outlets reported.
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Source: IAR/AFP/X/Radio Poland/@Tsahkna/@Kaitsevagi/@SecGenNATO
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