Better protection of critical infrastructure in Baltic Sea requires coordinated action by Baltic States - Silina

VILNIUS - Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) believes that better protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea requires coordinated action by the Baltic States, she said today during a press conference with her Baltic counterparts in Vilnius.

"We can be stronger if we coordinate our actions, if we act together," the Prime Minister said, adding that by working together it is possible to counter the threat currently coming from Russia.

She stressed that the Baltic States already have very good cooperation on this issue, exchanging information and coordinating actions.

Silina said that she also appreciated Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal's suggestion to share information on the situation and possibilities in each of the Baltic States. She expressed the view that the Baltic States can prepare for these threats, which have been observed year after year.

"I believe that sharing knowledge can benefit each of our countries, as well as our Baltic security in general," said Silina, adding that it is also possible to send ships and that they are already monitoring the situation in the Baltic Sea and that there are new technologies that can be installed at critical infrastructure, but there will always be challenges.

The Latvian PM also pointed out that this threat is not something that can be eradicated like a disease, but there is a possibility to offer more effective solutions.

At the same time, Silina said that it was important to raise these issues at the level of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), NATO and the European Union (EU), as this would help to put forward new sanctions against Russia. "We also know that there is a Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea and we will advocate new sanctions against these fleets," the Latvian Prime Minister said.

Silina pointed out that informing member states and allies about these issues can ensure their vigilance, knowledge and the Baltic States can agree on the next steps to protect themselves.

Coordinated actions at different levels contribute to common resilience, stressed Silina.

As reported, Lithuania's telecoms company Telia Lietuva said on Tuesday that one of the three undersea communication cables between Sweden and Lithuania was damaged on Sunday morning.

This information was later confirmed by officials in Stockholm.

Politicians from Lithuania's ruling majority suspect the incidents may be linked to Russian sabotage.