Overview
- Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack said Russia is testing Europe’s limits and that a maritime escalation is likely, citing daily encounters where accidents or intent could trigger a crisis.
- NATO planners are assessing scenarios for potential Russian military action on the Baltic Sea, according to alliance sources.
- German police opened a sabotage investigation and arrested two workers over alleged tampering with a naval corvette’s engine and fuel tanks.
- Kaack warned that Russia’s shadow fleet could be armed, complicating boardings and changing NATO’s operational risk calculations.
- Attribution of recent cable and pipeline damage remains disputed, with US officials rejecting sabotage and Kaack questioning that assessment.