Russia could leave Europe without internet - CIA
US intelligence has warned Poland about possible Russian sabotage against underwater internet cables connecting Europe to the United States. The CIA considers underwater communication lines a potential target for Russian hybrid operations. Simultaneous damage to several cables could cause widespread disruptions to the internet, banking systems, and government institutions.
US intelligence has warned Poland about possible Russian sabotage against underwater internet cables connecting Europe to the United States. The CIA views underwater communication lines as one of the potential targets for Russian hybrid operations. According to intelligence, Russia has thoroughly studied the location of cables in the Baltic Sea and transatlantic routes. Particular attention is paid to communication lines between Poland and Scandinavia, as well as between the UK and continental Europe. About 95% of global intercontinental data flows pass through underwater infrastructure, with daily financial transactions estimated at $10 trillion. Simultaneous damage to several cables could lead to disruptions in the internet, international payment systems, corporate networks, and military communications. A complete shutdown of Europe is considered unlikely due to an extensive system of backup routes, but a mass infrastructure failure could overload remaining channels. Repairing underwater cables requires specialized vessels and can take a long time. For Russia, such sabotage could become a tool of pressure on European states supporting Ukraine.