According to Finnish police, the anchor of the vessel suspected of damaging the undersea cable was dragged along the seabed for a significant distance before impact. The cargo ship, the Fitburg, was detained on December 31, 2025, while en route from St. Petersburg to Haifa, Israel, due to the incident. Finnish authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, citing charges of aggravated criminal damage and interference with telecommunications. Many speculate the damage is part of a hybrid war waged by Russia.
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Finnish authorities have arrested two individuals linked to a cargo vessel, the Fitburg, suspected of damaging a telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia. The ship, en route from Russia to Israel, was seized and its crew, consisting of individuals from various nations, are being questioned. The investigation includes travel bans for two other crew members and the discovery of sanctioned structural steel onboard. Authorities are investigating potential criminal charges related to the damage but have not speculated on possible state involvement, despite heightened concerns of hybrid warfare in the region.
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The new MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, highlighted Russia’s attempts to “bully, fearmonger, and manipulate” the UK and its allies through actions below the threshold of all-out war. She accused Vladimir Putin of prolonging peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. Metreweli warned of evolving threats, particularly the weaponization of technology and information to erode trust and sow division within societies. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of public awareness and education in recognizing disinformation, as the “frontline is everywhere.”
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European intelligence agencies have discovered a Russian sabotage network planning to bomb airplanes bound for the United States, utilizing explosives capable of a large-scale attack. This operation, involving explosions at logistics centers and plans for mid-air bombings, is part of a broader hybrid campaign by Moscow across Europe. Intelligence assessments and NATO reports suggest this activity reflects preparations for a potential major conflict, with Russia actively recruiting operatives and targeting infrastructure. Multiple sabotage attempts have been thwarted, indicating a wider threat, as analysts compare Russia’s current tactics to those of the KGB, placing Europe in a “pre-war” phase.
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In response to a rise in hybrid threats, Germany has established a new federal police unit specializing in drone detection and neutralization. This unit, comprising over 130 officers, will be deployed nationwide and is authorized to detect, intercept, and potentially disable drones. The German government has allocated over €100 million for counter-drone technology, including sensors and jammers, with equipment sourced from both German and Israeli manufacturers. This initiative follows increased reports of suspicious drone activity near critical infrastructure and a recent expansion of police authority to address these threats.
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Europe Wants to Get the Word Out: Russia Is to Blame for Sabotage
It’s been a long time coming, but it seems like Europe is finally ready to publicly acknowledge something that many have suspected for years: Russia is actively sabotaging European infrastructure. It’s a bit like seeing a slow-motion car crash finally reach its inevitable conclusion. We’ve seen the warning signs, the near misses, the subtle nudges, and now, finally, the realization that this isn’t just a series of unfortunate events but a deliberate campaign.
This revelation, though belated, could be a turning point. Recognizing the pattern of sabotage as a coordinated hybrid war is a crucial first step.… Continue reading
NATO is considering a shift toward a more aggressive stance against Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, potentially including “preemptive” cyber or sabotage operations, according to NATO’s military committee chairman. This evaluation comes amidst rising tensions and a series of Russian-linked incidents, such as cyberattacks, information operations, and targeting of critical infrastructure. Russia has responded by accusing NATO of escalating tensions. Experts note Russia’s history of aggression and the need for a strong response to deter further actions.
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Putin says that if Europe wants war, then Russia is ready. The implications of this statement are vast, and it’s a loaded declaration that demands careful consideration. It’s hard not to immediately dissect the layers of this pronouncement. It sounds aggressive, a challenge, a dare, yet it’s delivered by a nation that seems to be struggling with its current military endeavors. The notion that Russia is prepared for a larger conflict, especially with Europe, feels almost farcical, considering the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
It’s difficult to reconcile the idea of Russia being ready for war when looking at the reality of the situation.… Continue reading
Russian intelligence is likely behind railway sabotage, Poland says, and honestly, where else would you even begin to look? It’s not exactly surprising news, is it? We’ve seen this playbook before. The problem, as always, is proving it definitively. They’ll deny, deny, deny, and the cycle continues. It’s infuriating, like a constant game of cat and mouse where the cat always has a head start and a bag of tricks. It feels like we’re constantly on the back foot, reacting rather than proactively preventing.
Now, that’s an attack on Poland, and Poland is a NATO country. You’d think that would be a red line.… Continue reading
Lithuania is planning to indefinitely close its border crossings with Belarus after repeated disruptions at Vilnius Airport, caused by suspected contraband-carrying balloons. These incidents prompted the Prime Minister to vow to shoot down the balloons and accuse Belarus, supported by Russia, of “hybrid warfare” against NATO. The closures follow similar incidents causing air traffic suspensions and delays, with the government considering invoking NATO Article 4. While Belarus has condemned the border closure as a “provocation,” Lithuanian officials and exiled Belarusian opposition figures view the incidents as a form of aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood