As I observed from the deck of a Finnish patrol ship, a group of armed individuals descended from a helicopter and initiated an assault on the vessel. These masked guards swiftly advanced to the bridge, vociferously seizing control. Fortunately, the entire scenario was merely a practice drill conducted by the Finnish Border Guard, responsible for safeguarding an 830-mile border along NATO’s eastern frontier against Russia.
This security force actively engages with Putin’s covert fleet in the Gulf of Finland and has conducted operations on ships suspected of causing damage to critical underwater cables. During Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s recent visit to Finland and Norway, we witnessed a demonstration by camouflaged personnel showcasing how they would overtake a suspicious vessel.
With Russia in close proximity, the Finnish authorities grapple with various strategies employed by Putin, including sabotage and hybrid warfare. Cooper’s trip highlighted the looming threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet to the United Kingdom. In an interview, she emphasized the urgency of cracking down on a network of aging oil tankers operating under questionable flags, which not only evade Western sanctions but also allegedly support Putin’s activities in Ukraine and cable sabotage incidents.
The UK is reportedly exploring the legal aspects of intervening militarily to board these vessels following recent collaboration with US special forces in a high-profile operation targeting a tanker linked to Russia. Cooper’s diplomatic visit coincides with escalating tensions in the Arctic region, driven partly by climate change-induced shifts affecting shipping routes and resource access due to melting ice.
The increasing significance of the Arctic has drawn attention globally, with implications for security dynamics in the High North where Britain aims to assert its role alongside NATO partners. However, potential disruptions may arise if US President Donald Trump follows through on his contentious declarations, including threats concerning Greenland’s territorial status.