Russia strikes German helicopter with signal munitions in Baltic Sea
Illustrative photo: Russia fired at a Bundeswehr helicopter in the Baltic Sea (Getty Images)
Tensions in the Baltic Sea between Russia and Western powers are growing. During the reconnaissance mission of a Bundeswehr helicopter, it was fired upon by the crew of a Russian ship, according to Welt.
The crew of a Russian ship used flares against a German Air Force helicopter.
The details of the incident remain undisclosed, including the reason for the use of signal ammunition and the exact actions of the Russian crew.
Commenting on the incident at a NATO meeting in Brussels, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure in the region due to the risk of hybrid attacks by Russia.
According to her, patrols in the Baltic Sea will be expanded, in particular, to monitor pipelines and data cables.
Baerbock noted that the Baltic Sea is increasingly being used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia over its war against Ukraine. The number of hybrid attacks is growing, which requires more active counteraction.
Russian hybrid attacks
Russia has been actively using hybrid attacks in Europe, combining cyberattacks, disinformation, espionage, and physical sabotage to destabilize the region.
In 2024, numerous cases of such attacks were recorded in different EU countries.
Russian hackers have targeted critical infrastructure, including energy and government systems, in countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Germany.
Russian agents are also suspected of undermining undersea communication cables and gas pipelines, particularly in the Baltic region. This has led European countries to sign a treaty to protect underwater infrastructure.
Lithuania restored a communication cable with Sweden across the Baltic Sea. In general, submarine cables are often cut in this area, and more and more experts suspect Russia of such sabotage.
