The European Union plans to patrol the sea to combat Russian spy ships

This is reported by the Financial Times with reference to the EU Commissioner for the Environment Virginius Sinkevicius.

According to him, on Friday the European Union intends to present an updated maritime strategy. It provides for the expansion of satellite monitoring and intelligence sharing between EU member states.

Virginius Sinkevicius stressed that these measures are being taken in response to the undermining of the Nord Stream — 1 and Nord Stream—2 gas pipelines to protect other critical infrastructure at sea. The countries note an increase in the activity of Russian ships that have been spotted near offshore wind farms, oil and gas drilling platforms and telecommunications cables in the North Sea.

In particular, earlier such information was provided by the Dutch and Belgian special services. At the end of February, the Belgian authorities initiated an investigation into the "suspicious activity" of Russian ships at wind farms, underwater gas pipelines and communication cables. The military intelligence of the Netherlands has warned operators of energy infrastructure at sea about possible sabotage at their facilities.

The Norwegian authorities have not previously ruled out such an outcome either. The country believes that sabotage on the underwater infrastructure in 2023 is unlikely, but if the conflict in Ukraine worsens, they are not excluded. The oil sector is considered the most vulnerable area in the country.

It's worth reminding that in September last year, as a result of sabotage, the threads of the Nord Stream-1 and Nord Stream-2 gas pipelines were damaged. American journalist Seymour Hersh noted that American divers were behind this sabotage. Washington denies any involvement. China has called on the authorities of this country to answer if the information is confirmed.