As tensions rise between Russia and the West, concerns have been raised over the safety and security of underwater cables. These cables play a vital role in global communication, carrying 99% of all international data traffic. In recent months, Russian military ships have been spotted operating near these cables off the coast of Ireland, sparking fears that they may be attempting to disrupt or even sever crucial communication links. This article explores the potential risks posed by these Russian vessels and the measures being taken to safeguard our reliance on this essential technology.
Two Russian state-owned ships, the Umka and the Bakhtemir, have caused concern among defence officials in Ireland, warning that they could potentially try to destroy critical underwater cables connecting Europe to the United States. The Irish Air Corps and Naval Service are currently monitoring the vessels, which are in waters off the southwest coast of Ireland. According to a report by The Irish Times, the concern came after the ships were spotted engaging in unusual manoeuvres off the Galway coast, near a newly opened subsea communications cable.
The significance of these subsea cables was explained by security analyst and independent senator Tom Clonan. The fibre optic cables he said, “connect the European Union to the United States. Something like one third of all of the data online, everything on the internet, goes through these cables… so they are really a critical piece of infrastructure and we have to be mindful of their presence.”
Russia’s ambassador to Ireland, Yuriy Filatov, has criticised reports around the ships. In a statement to The Irish Times, he argued that “The purpose of this story seems to be to once again create an impression of ‘suspicious’ Russian maritime activity, allegedly aimed at sabotaging subsea communication cables.”
While Russia’s alleged intentions in this instance is unclear, it is not the first time that such concerns have been raised. Earlier this year, the United States and Britain accused Russian intelligence of attempting to disrupt their communications infrastructure through cyberattacks, including targeting underwater cables.
Furthermore, tensions between Russia and the West have intensified in recent years, with the conflict in Ukraine, allegations of interference in the 2016 US presidential election, and the poisoning of former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, in the UK, all contributing to a sense of unease between the two sides.
Against this backdrop, the presence of Russian ships off the coast of Ireland is understandably a cause for concern. While the Russian ambassador has dismissed claims of suspicious activity, the fact remains that subsea communications cables are a critical piece of infrastructure, and any attempt to disrupt them could have serious consequences.
The potential threat posed by the two Russian ships could not have come at a more sensitive time, as Russia takes over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this weekend. The timing of the ships’ presence may be coincidental, but it is unlikely to alleviate concerns among Western powers.
In conclusion, the monitoring of the two Russian ships is a precautionary measure, but it is one that is eminently sensible under the circumstances. While there may be innocent reasons for their presence, it is important to be vigilant and mindful of the strategic importance of subsea communications cables. Whether or not there is any truth to fears of Russian interference, the potential consequences of a successful attack on these cables are severe, and the international community must continue to work together to protect them.
