Clash in the heart of the frozen ocean: NATO repelled Putin's "secret weapon" submarines

A Reuters investigation reveals an unusual clash last spring in the Arctic Ocean, where British, Norwegian and American forces located Russian submarines and disrupted an exercise designed to paralyze underwater cables using a secret weapon. The submarines were forced to retreat. Against this backdrop, there is concern in the West that Russia will challenge Article 5 of NATO.

A Reuters investigation reveals an unusual clash that took place last spring in the Arctic Ocean, near the Norwegian-controlled Svalbard archipelago. British, Norwegian and American forces located Russian submarines and disrupted a secret exercise they were conducting, designed to simulate the activation of a secret weapon to paralyze underwater cables without leaving a trace. According to Western sources, the submarines were forced to retreat without completing the exercise. Details of the secret weapon were not disclosed. Against the backdrop of the report, Western intelligence officials warn that the Kremlin is increasing sabotage operations in Europe and preparing for a direct confrontation with NATO. The officials expressed concern that Russia would try to test Article 5 of the alliance, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Damage to underwater cables, which are vital for global communications and financial transactions, is seen as a key component in such a scenario. Concurrently with the clash, Britain and Norway conveyed information about the new technology to Moscow in the hope of deterring it. Russia did not damage the cables. The Kremlin consistently denies carrying out sabotage operations or planning a confrontation with NATO.