Alarm Raised at Russia’s Shadow Fleet Hybrid Warfare Threat to NATO
Summary
Russia is using a group of ships called the "shadow fleet" to avoid sanctions and conduct hybrid warfare against NATO countries. These ships are linked to attacks on undersea cables and drones over important infrastructure in the Baltic and North Seas, with more attacks expected in the coming years.Key Facts
- The shadow fleet consists of vessels whose ownership is hidden through companies to conceal Russian links.
- These ships carry about 80% of Russia’s oil exports by sea, funding its military efforts.
- The shadow fleet operates mainly in the Baltic Sea, a region with many undersea cables vital for energy and internet.
- More than 97% of global internet traffic travels through submarine cables, which, if damaged, can disrupt energy and communications.
- Recent incidents linked to these vessels include damage to underwater cables and electricity lines between Nordic countries.
- Russia has reportedly increased military protection for these shadow fleet vessels with ships and jets.
- Between 2024 and 2025, thousands of Russian-affiliated vessels visited the Baltic Sea, but many sailed under different flags.
- Damage to cables in the Baltic has caused long repair times and reduced electricity transfer between countries like Estonia and Finland.
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