The Alliance paid considerable attention to the damage of the Balticconnector natural gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland. It may be an accident, but we cant ignore the possibility that it was deliberate act as it was put forward by the Finnish Central Criminal Police who is in charge of the investigation, says for Demostat Erkki Bahovski, the seasoned foreign journalist from Estonia, commenting the recent events in the Baltic Sea, and the NATO summit. He underlines that the “initial reports confirm that there have been both Russian and Chinese vessels on the spot of the accident in the Gulf of Finland”.

- It is a pure speculation, of course, but it may be Russias interest to intimidate Finland and punish it for joining NATO. It may serve also as a warning to Sweden who is about to join the alliance soon. We should not forget either that the IT-cable between Estonia and Finland was damaged as well, and the latest information shows that the IT-cable between Estonia and Sweden was also damaged, and Sweden believes that it was caused by human. So, NATO must stay vigilant, and the summit allows to believe so, Bahovski thinks.

Bahovski states for Demostat underlines that NATO “is facing multiple tasks simultaneously”. He explains: “The Israeli-Hamas war may divert attention from the Ukrainian war. However, the alliance pledged to continue supporting Ukraine. At the same time the tensions in the Middle East cannot be ignored, since the widening of the conflict would almost certainly mean the new influx of refugees. From Estonian point of view the summit was successful, since NATOs support to Ukraine continues. into Europe, and this is something the NATO leaders dont want to see”.

NATO has stepped up patrols in the Baltic Sea following recent incidents involving underwater infrastructure in the region. "The increased measures include additional reconnaissance flights, including maritime patrol aircraft and drones. In addition, four NATO fighters are being sent to the area”, the Alliance said in a statement.

Acting NATO spokesman Dylan White said the Alliance continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in close contact with partners in Estonia, Finland and Sweden. “NATO will continue to adjust its naval position in the Baltic Sea and will take all necessary steps to keep its allies safe”, White said.