DISINFO: Poland wants to boost NATO’s piracy against Russian ships in the Baltic Sea
SUMMARY
Poland is creating conditions for new provocations against Russian ships in the Baltic Sea.
The Maritime Office in Gdynia issued an order to establish a 250-metre-wide “Special Security Zone” along the SwePol Link underwater energy cable between Poland and Sweden. The restrictions imply a ban on fishing, water sports, diving, anchoring and any underwater work, unless these activities are agreed with the Polish authorities.
Of course, this zone is another legal formality allowing NATO pirates to stop and seize ships carrying Russian cargo in order to block all Russian economic activities in the Baltic Sea. Poland is trying to apply extraterritorial law, the underwater cable runs far beyond Poland’s exclusive economic zone in the neutral international waters.
RESPONSE
Repeated pro-Kremlin disinformation about the security situation in the Baltic Sea and Russia’s connection to provocations implemented in its waters (Nord Stream, Balticconnector, undersea internet cables).
The SwePol Link is critical infrastructure for the energy security of both Poland and Sweden, carrying 600MW of electricity across the Baltic Sea. Recently, Poland established a 250-metre-wide “Special Security Zone” along the SwePol Link submarine electricity cable.
The recent NATO security actions in the Baltic Sea are not connected to “piracy”. They are an attempt to protect critical civilian infrastructure from possible provocations from Russia. Recent incidents involving Russian “shadow fleet” vessels acting suspiciously near undersea cables have prompted several Baltic countries, including Poland, to bolster security for such infrastructure. The move responds to real and documented sabotage threats, not an imagined desire to provoke Russian ships.
On 14 January 2025, NATO countries bordering the Baltic Sea announced the launch of a new military initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure. The operation, named “Baltic Sentry,” will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and improve the Allies’ ability to respond to destabilising actions.
NATO’s Secretary General said recent sabotage had damaged energy and communication cables, but he was confident that, “by working together with all Allies – we will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear.”
“Baltic Sentry” will involve a range of assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. The Secretary General also announced the deployment of new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones, and emphasised that NATO will work with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets, all aimed at improving the ability to protect critical undersea infrastructure and respond when necessary. NATO will operate within the framework of the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network, which includes industry partners, to explore additional ways to safeguard infrastructure and enhance the resilience of underwater assets.
See other cases connected to the Baltic Sea security situation here.