NATO is reportedly preparing underwater diversions to target Russian pipelines and tankers, as part of its broader strategy against Moscow, according to Nikolay Patrushev, a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin. Patrushev stated that these tactics are predominantly being developed by NATO’s European members, ignoring recent efforts to renew dialogue between Moscow and Washington, reports RT.
Patrushev’s comments follow NATO's announcement of an increased military presence in the Baltic Sea, where the U.S.-led bloc recently launched Operation Baltic Sentry, aimed at boosting patrols in the region. The operation is framed as a protective measure for underwater infrastructure. Additionally, this month the European Union agreed to a substantial increase in military spending, prompting Moscow to accuse the bloc of further militarizing Europe.
In an interview published on Thursday in National Defense journal, Patrushev, who previously served as Russia’s Security Council secretary, said NATO’s actions are in line with a longstanding pattern of using threats in international relations. "Maritime provocations have been a part of the West’s subversive tactics since the Cold War," he stated. Patrushev warned that with the EU’s decision to escalate military spending, threats to Russian infrastructure and freedom of navigation are likely to increase.
Patrushev also claimed that NATO members have begun practicing cyber-attacks on the navigation equipment of Russian ships. He suggested that the ultimate goal of these cyber operations is to provoke emergency situations. "Based on available information, their navies are planning to intensify terrorist activities against Russian underwater pipelines, tankers, and dry cargo ships," he added.
The Russian official further accused London of orchestrating the heightened tensions, arguing that the UK seeks to prevent the normalization of Russian-American relations and derail peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict.
In January, NATO announced the expansion of regular patrols in the Baltic Sea after several underwater cables were reportedly damaged. Although some NATO members blamed Russia for the incidents, subsequent investigations found no evidence linking Moscow to the damage. The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement and emphasized that it has no intention of targeting NATO infrastructure.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned NATO’s military buildup near its borders, calling such actions provocative. The Kremlin has vowed to protect its regional interests, asserting that NATO’s behavior threatens regional stability.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
