As I observed from the deck of a Finnish patrol ship, a group of armed individuals descended from a helicopter and launched an assault on the vessel. These masked guards swiftly made their way to the bridge, issuing commands with intensity as they assumed control. Fortunately, this was merely a practice drill conducted by the Finnish Border Guard, who actively safeguard an 830-mile border along NATO’s eastern frontier in the face of Russian threats. They also engage with Putin’s covert maritime activities in the Gulf of Finland and have conducted operations on vessels suspected of tampering with crucial undersea cables.
During a visit to Finland and Norway, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper witnessed a demonstration of how camouflaged operatives would seize control of a suspicious vessel. The proximity to Russia felt palpable as we boarded the Turva, an offshore patrol vessel in Helsinki, overlooking the Gulf of Finland. These icy waters extend towards St. Petersburg, the easternmost part of the Baltic Sea.
Given Russia’s close proximity, Finland contends with Putin’s disruptive strategies and hybrid warfare tactics. Cooper’s visit underscores the significant threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet to Britain.
In an interview, Cooper emphasized the necessity of taking decisive action to counter the network of aging oil tankers operating under questionable flags. These vessels not only enable Putin’s unlawful activities in Ukraine by bypassing Western sanctions but are also implicated in sabotaging undersea cables carrying crucial telecommunications and energy resources like electricity, oil, and gas.
The UK is reportedly exploring the legalities of potentially using military force to board such vessels, following its recent involvement in aiding US special forces in a bold operation targeting a tanker linked to Russia. Cooper’s diplomatic trip to the region coincides with escalating tensions over the Arctic region.
The warming seas due to climate change have intensified geopolitical competition as new shipping routes open up and previously inaccessible resources become available due to melting ice. The issue of Greenland’s potential annexation by President Trump has brought Arctic security to the forefront of global concerns.
Britain aims to demonstrate its capability in shaping High North security alongside NATO allies. However, the outcome could be jeopardized if President Trump follows through on his threats, potentially undermining these efforts.