What has happened?
A data cable between Gotland and Latvian Ventspils has been damaged. The cable belongs to Latvia's state radio and TV center LVRTC and lies at a depth of 50 meters in the Baltic Sea. A ship that is now in the Karlskrona archipelago has been seized following the incident. The Maltese-flagged ship "Vezhen" is said to have left a Russian port on Friday, according to media reports. Swedish authorities have not named the ship.
When did it happen?
Early on Sunday morning, according to available information.
Where?
The damage is said to be located in Sweden's economic zone. LVRTC states that "the location of the cable damage is 130 kilometers from LVRTC's facilities in Ventspils".
How?
At present, there is reason to believe that the cable is significantly damaged and that it was caused by external influence, Vineta Sprugaine at LVRTC has commented.
Nato states that Nato ships and aircraft are "working together with national resources from Baltic countries to investigate and take necessary measures".
Who is behind it?
No actor has taken responsibility for the incident.
If it turns out that the damage was caused intentionally, then it is very difficult to find anyone else to blame but Russia. But we are not there yet, says former lieutenant colonel Joakim Paasikivi to Expressen.
What happens now?
The incident is being investigated as gross sabotage. The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Security Police, since a potential crime could be directed against Swedish interests, according to Säpo.
According to Säpo, Swedish authorities' personnel have been on board the seized ship since yesterday.
