Despite the significant damage to the submarine cable, the operator has stated that there will be no impact on end users.

Moscow is believed to be targeting European nations that support Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly three years.

James Appathurai from NATO has reiterated the alliance's commitment to safeguarding underwater structures amid increasing hybrid threats.

The EU has imposed sanctions on dozens of shadow fleet vessels, although estimates suggest the actual number may be much larger, with Lithuania's President estimating between 600 and 1,000 such ships operating at sea.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Vezhen and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Sweden has detained the Bulgarian cargo ship Vezhen as part of an investigation into 'aggravated sabotage' following damage to a submarine cable in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Latvia.

In response to rising hybrid threats, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas is set to discuss strategies for better preventing and responding to such threats at a meeting with EU foreign ministers.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed significant concern over recent infrastructure damage and indicated that NATO would respond decisively to future incidents.

NATO is developing a project involving submarine drones to patrol undersea cables, with the first units expected to be operational by mid-2025.

The crew of the Vezhen consists of eight Bulgarian officers and nine Myanmar seamen, who have not been charged but remain on the vessel.

Rutte highlighted that over 95% of Internet traffic is protected by submarine cables, which are crucial for facilitating significant financial transactions.

Latvia's state radio and television center reported disruptions due to the incident but assured that alternatives had been found to minimize the impact on end users.