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Swedish Police Board Chinese Vessel in Baltic Sea Cable Investigation
Swedish authorities have boarded the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, a vessel under investigation for its potential involvement in the breaches of two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea last month. The operation was carried out with the cooperation of Chinese authorities, Swedish police announced on Thursday.
The Yi Peng 3 has been stationary in the Kattegat strait, between Denmark and Sweden, for over a month while diplomatic discussions between Stockholm and Beijing unfolded. Swedish investigators suspect the vessel’s involvement in the November cable breaches, which occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone.
MarineTraffic data analyzed by Reuters indicates the ship’s coordinates matched the time and location of the incidents. The vessel had departed the Russian port of Ust-Luga on November 15, just days before the damage occurred on November 17 and 18.
Swedish Police Act as Observers
Swedish police clarified that their participation on board the Yi Peng 3 was observational while Chinese authorities led the investigation. “The preliminary investigation into sabotage in connection with two cable breaks in the Baltic Sea is continuing in parallel,” Swedish police said in a statement. They emphasized that the actions taken on Thursday were not directly part of their Swedish-led investigation.
Danish authorities facilitated the visit to the bulk carrier, which remains anchored in the Kattegat strait.
Cable Breaches Prompt Sabotage Concerns
The damaged cables are critical infrastructure, with one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden to Lithuania. The breaches prompted concerns across the region, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stating that sabotage was the likely cause. Swedish prosecutors are leading the investigation into the suspected sabotage.
Western intelligence officials have reportedly pointed to the Yi Peng 3 as the cause of the cable cuts. However, opinions differ on whether the breaches were accidental or intentional. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has urged the vessel to return to Sweden to support the ongoing investigation.
Chinese Authorities Silent
As of Thursday, there was no immediate comment from China’s foreign ministry regarding the situation. The incident has added strain to Sweden-China relations, with the case drawing significant international attention due to its implications for regional security.
Investigations continue as authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the cable breaches and whether sabotage was indeed at play.
News
Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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