**NATO Strengthens Baltic Sea Presence After Underwater Cable Sabotage**
On December 30, NATO allies met to discuss the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The meeting came after a significant underwater power cable was damaged in the Gulf of Finland.
**Suspected Russian Sabotage**
The Estlink 2, a 170-kilometer undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia, was severely damaged on Christmas Day. Authorities suspect sabotage by Russia, citing evidence from a suspected Russian tanker as part of Moscow‘s “shadow fleet.”
**Shadow Fleet Concerns**
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concerns about the “shadow fleet” after recent damage to undersea cables across Europe. She noted suspicious activities by ship crews, including dragging anchors along the seabed for kilometers without explanation.
**Ukraine Developments**
In other news, Ukraine’s gas transit tariffs will quadruple starting January 1 as a deal to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian pipes expires. The country’s exports grew by more than 13% over the past year, mainly due to stabilizing seaports.
**Military and Diplomatic Updates**
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a new military ombudsman, while Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Syrian leaders in Damascus. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 43 Russian drone attacks overnight.
**Financial Support**
The United States made a $3.4 billion payment to Ukraine and announced a new security assistance package worth nearly $2.5 billion. The country will also receive $15 billion from frozen Russian assets, backed by future revenues.