A submarine data cable, known as C-Lion1, that connects Finland and Germany has been reported damaged in the Baltic Sea, with suspicions that it was cut by external forces.

In response to the incident, NATO has increased naval patrols around undersea infrastructure and warned that any deliberate attacks on critical infrastructure will provoke a unified response from the alliance.

While NATO members have refrained from directly blaming Russia, suspicions have quickly turned toward the country, especially as the war in Ukraine recently marked its 1,000th day.

The incident underscores the growing recognition of data cables as critical infrastructure, which has heightened the need for enhanced protection due to their importance to the economy and public life.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted the seriousness of the threat posed by such incidents and indicated that authorities are prepared to offer assistance, although they are not yet involved in the investigation.

Both Finland and Germany are currently investigating the cable damage and have stressed the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure.

The concept of hybrid warfare, which includes military and non-military actions such as cyberattacks and sabotage, has become increasingly relevant in the context of these incidents.

NATO had previously warned of potential Russian strategies to disrupt global internet services, including targeting undersea fiber optic cables as retaliation for Western support of Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the need for a comprehensive defense approach, noting that Russia represents a hybrid threat to Europe.

The statement from NATO emphasized the need for European countries to enhance their security roles alongside transatlantic partners, without directly accusing Moscow of the cable damage.

A security guideline published by several German ministries stresses that companies with critical infrastructure must ensure that only security-checked personnel can access sensitive areas.

Reports of unusual activities, including unknown vehicles photographing premises and contacts from Russian organizations, have raised alarms among companies in Europe.