NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea following a suspected underwater cable sabotage  

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**NATO Strengthens Baltic Sea Presence After Underwater Cable **

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**

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 kilometers without explanation.

**Ukraine Developments**

In other news, Ukraine’s gas transit tariffs will quadruple starting January 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 appointed a new military ombudsman, while Ukraine’s met with leaders in Damascus. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 43 Russian 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 , backed by future revenues.

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