The German government issued warnings on Saturday about Russian "hybrid threats" in the Baltic Sea after acts of sabotage targeted undersea cables in waters bordered by Germany, other European nations, and Russia.

In an exclusive interview with Welt am Sonntag, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated: "As a Baltic coastal state, NATO, and EU member, Germany is mobilizing all resources to counter Russia's escalating hybrid threats." He emphasized that Russia now poses direct risks to Germany and fellow Baltic nations amid the strategically vital waters' deteriorating security environment.

Key Developments:

• Shadow Fleet Exposure: Wadephul referenced Russia's sanctions-evading "ghost fleet" oil tankers operating in Baltic waters

• Tactical Shift: Noted alarming trends of cable cuts and signal jamming over recent months

• EU Response: The 17th sanctions package against Russia is being prepared following Moscow's refusal to engage in direct Ukraine negotiations

Strategic Context:
The Baltic Sea—bordered by Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark—has seen:
✓ Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities since the 2022 Nord Stream explosions
✓ Increased NATO maritime patrols after Sweden/Finland's accession
✓ Russia's Kaliningrad enclave conducting hybrid warfare drills