US expert: Russia is testing the waters near transatlantic submarine cables

Energy security and critical infrastructure protection expert Benjamin L. Schmitt warns that Russia and China are learning from each other and testing increasingly bold attacks on critical infrastructure in Europe and around Taiwan. NATO countries and Taiwan should urgently invest in submarine cable repair capabilities.

Energy security and critical infrastructure protection expert Benjamin L. Schmitt warns that Russia and China have begun learning from each other and are testing increasingly bold attacks on critical infrastructure, including in the transatlantic submarine cable region.

Pushing boundaries together

According to Schmitt, attacks on critical infrastructure in Europe and around Taiwan show a clear pattern: the two major powers are sharing experiences and pushing boundaries further each time. "Russia is testing the waters near transatlantic cables too," the expert emphasised.

Submarine cables are the backbone of modern society's digital functioning, carrying the vast majority of international internet traffic and financial data. Damaging them would immediately cause widespread disruptions in both communications systems and economic activity.

Investments in repair capabilities

Schmitt calls on NATO member states and Taiwan to urgently invest in cable repair capabilities. Currently, there are relatively few specialized vessels in the world capable of quickly repairing damaged submarine cables, meaning simultaneous or rapidly successive attacks could cause prolonged outages.

According to the expert, it is important that allies do not limit themselves to developing defensive measures, but begin actively building resilience as well. This means both expanding the fleet and organizing joint exercises so that response in a crisis situation can be as quick as possible.

Broad threat landscape

Attacks on critical infrastructure have increased significantly in Europe in recent years. In addition to submarine cables, attacks have targeted energy infrastructure, rail connections, and other strategically important facilities. According to Schmitt, this is part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing Western societies without open military confrontation.