Baltic Sea Tensions Flare as NATO Responds to Cable Cuts and Russian Incursion

Tensions rise in the Baltic Sea as NATO responds to damaged underwater cables and a Russian fighter jet incursion. NATO countries have accused Russia of cutting vital undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, impacting power and communication between Finland and Estonia. ABC News' Kathryn Diss traveled to Lithuania to investigate, reporting on NATO's increased surveillance efforts and the launch of Operation Baltic Sentry, a new mission to deter further acts of sabotage. "Anybody who has any intentions of inflicting damage or harm to any infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region should be aware that it will be observed, it will be monitored, it will be reported and it will not remain without consequence," stated Commander Erik Kockx. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, added, "It puts us in the explosive mix, and we have to control all of it." The incident escalated when the Estonian Navy attempted to stop a Russian 'shadow ship,' prompting a Russian fighter jet to enter NATO airspace. This reckless action highlights the growing tensions and the need for increased vigilance in the region. The situation underscores the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea and the determination of NATO to protect its interests.