Latest news with #BalticSea
Bloomberg
19 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Retailer's Refinancing Caps Revival Under Croatian Tycoon
Hi, this is Jasmina Kuzmanovic in Zagreb. Welcome to our weekly newsletter on what's shaping economics and investments from the Baltic Sea to the Balkans. You can subscribe here. When the biggest food producer and retailer in the Balkans unraveled in 2017, the Croatian government had to step in to salvage the company from near-bankruptcy and oust the man who owned it. In doing so, it helped save the biggest employer in Croatia and the surrounding region, not to mention a network of suppliers.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Denmark to deploy ‘saildrones' in Baltic to protect undersea cables from Russian threat
Denmark is deploying floating drones on the Baltic Sea to protect undersea infrastructure and bolster maritime surveillance amid the growing threat of hybrid attacks from Russia. The arrival of Saildrone, a California-based company, has prompted criticism in Denmark over forging tighter bonds with the US in such a sensitive area as digital security. The backlash comes amid rapidly changing alliances, evolving technology and ongoing tensions between Copenhagen and Washington after Donald Trump threatened to take over Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom. The 10-metre unmanned vessels, known as 'saildrones', resemble sailing boats but are designed solely to collect data. Using onboard AI, saildrones compile data using multiple sensors, cameras and radar to produce a more detailed picture of maritime activity than satellites can provide. The company has previously worked with the US navy, which used its vessels to support counter-drug trafficking and illegal fishing operations. Its arrival in Denmark marks the first time it has been used for defence purposes in European waters. 'The purpose of Saildrone is to give eyes and ears where we previously didn't have eyes and ears,' said Richard Jenkins, CEO of Saildrone. As concerns grow over Russia's so-called shadow fleet – ageing tankers used to circumvent sanctions by transporting crude oil to China and India – saildrones can be used to verify vessel identification and flag unusual movements that may point to undersea sabotage of pipelines or data cables. 'What we're seeing now is commercial shipping fleets being used in military applications,' said Jenkins. 'So whether it's the shadow fleet for Russia trafficking illegal supplies that is getting around sanctions or whether they are trying to do nefarious things like damage infrastructure, we need to be able to track that.' The Danish armed forces are deploying four saildrones in the Baltic for operational testing to improve its capacity for maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering. However, the partnership has raised concerns among Denmark's tech leaders. The software engineer and entrepreneur, David Heinemeier Hansson, told Danish broadcaster DR: 'The problem with American companies is that they have to follow American law, American decrees and the American president. He can demand data at any time, and he can close an account at any time.' Jacob Herbst, head of the Danish Cybersecurity Council, said: 'With the international situation we are currently seeing, you obviously have to think very carefully when choosing American suppliers in this area.' Jenkins said they are not getting classified data in Denmark and that data is fully encrypted. The floating drones can be powered by diesel, wind and solar and can remain at sea for over a year but their average deployment is 100 days. Between 10 and 20 saildrones would be needed to cover the whole of the Baltic.
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Science
- Russia Today
Something is going terribly wrong in the Baltic Sea
Beneath the waves of the Baltic Sea lies a silent but growing threat – the decaying remains of chemical munitions dumped after World War II. For years, these weapons have sat largely untouched, posing a known danger to marine life and coastal issue gained serious attention in the 21st century as scientists began to sound the alarm about growing environmental risks. Decades-old shells are corroding, raising the specter of toxic leaks that could trigger a full-blown environmental disaster. Now, Germany is moving to recover and destroy these submerged stockpiles. But framed as an environmental cleanup, Berlin's project may in fact worsen the environmental balance in the Baltic. Russia has repeatedly emphasized the importance of its involvement in this process, citing its status as a directly affected nation with relevant expertise. Yet with international relations strained, meaningful cooperation remains elusive. So what happens if this mission is carried out without Russian input? RT takes a closer look. An estimated 1.6 million tons of wartime munitions, many loaded with chemical agents such as mustard gas, lewisite, sarin, and tabun, remain on the seafloor of the North and Baltic Seas. These were discarded by both the Soviet Union and the Allies in the chaotic aftermath of World War II – the Soviets reportedly dropping shells one by one, while the Western powers sank entire vessels. Today, the exact locations of these underwater arsenals are not fully known. Many lie near Bornholm Island and off the Latvian coast near Liepaja. But the threat is far from contained. Damaged shells are occasionally hauled up in fishing nets. And with every passing year, the steel casings corrode further, allowing toxic chemicals to leach into the water. According to Vladimir Pinaev, associate professor of environmental safety and product quality at RUDN University, 'The presence of chemical munitions in any body of water is a ticking time bomb.' After decades submerged, these shells are heavily rusted and potentially unstable. 'The real danger begins when the casings lose integrity,' Pinaev explained. 'At that point, we don't fully understand how the toxic agents will behave in the marine environment — how potent they remain, how far they'll spread, or how severely they'll impact the ecosystem.' The list of organisms at risk is long. 'It's not just the water that's affected,' he said. 'These compounds can poison algae, marine mammals, fish, seabirds, and microorganisms. And ultimately, people. We're the final consumers in the food chain.' The long-term risk? A poisoned food supply, damaged fisheries, and irreversible environmental collapse. Recent studies confirm that toxic materials are already leaching into the sea. According to research from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, about 3,000kg of dissolved chemicals have been detected in the southwestern Baltic, especially around Kiel Bay and Lübeck Bay. Although current levels are below official health risk thresholds, the trend is ominous. Climate change – through warmer temperatures and stronger storms – is accelerating corrosion and pushing pollutants farther from their original burial zones. A Polish Academy of Sciences study found that mustard gas alone can sterilize marine ecosystems within a 70-meter radius. Germany's Environment Ministry launched a pilot recovery project in 2023, starting in Lübeck Bay. Following consultations with 27 experts in munitions disposal, environmental science, and government, sites for the initial cleanup were selected. The pilot phase concluded in April 2025. Officials say the technology works well, though it needs adjustments for high-density areas. Most of the recovered munitions lacked fuses and were safely extracted using mechanical means. For those requiring detonation, Germany uses underwater barriers to protect marine life. Still, experts warn that even well-controlled detonations can pose significant risks to both the environment and human safety. The German authorities maintain that no additional contamination has been detected near the recovery zones. But critics urge caution. As Pinaev emphasized, 'Before any munitions are raised or destroyed in place, it's critical to ensure the safety of fish, marine mammals, and navigation. These operations are inherently dangerous.' He believes the cleanup work should be entrusted to international organizations with relevant expertise – notably, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). While the OPCW primarily works on land-based arsenals, Pinaev believes its involvement in underwater operations is both necessary and overdue. He also stressed the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring. 'We need ongoing research in burial zones – using remote sensing and other methods – and a full assessment of the long-term impact these chemicals have on marine ecosystems,' he said. The safety of personnel working on these operations is also a concern. 'They'll need more than just standard protective gear,' he warned. 'We're talking full chemical protection suits – at minimum, full military-grade chemical defense.' Russia has long advocated for a multilateral approach to dealing with the Baltic's toxic legacy. In 2023, Sergey Belyaev, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second European Department, warned that involving NATO in the cleanup could destabilize the entire region. 'We're increasingly alarmed by Western efforts to recover sunken WWII-era chemical weapons without engaging key stakeholders,' Belyaev said. 'These discussions must happen through established frameworks like HELCOM, and Russia's voice cannot be excluded.' He also pointed to a political deadlock: HELCOM's activities have been effectively paralyzed due to tensions with Western nations. Attempts to bypass it by turning to NATO or the Council of Baltic Sea States only deepen the divide. Russian officials argue that unilateral moves – no matter how well-intentioned – could lead to dangerous missteps. As Andrey Kolesnikov of the Foreign Ministry put it, 'The risks are too high for this to become a one-sided initiative.' Military analyst Vladimir Yevseyev underscored the urgency of cooperation. 'Russia must be part of this process,' he said. 'Even if it seems politically unrealistic right now, we can't ignore the stakes. Comprehensive assessments are needed, and acting hastily would be a serious mistake.' In another time, perhaps, this issue might have united rather than divided. No nation wants to see toxins from another era resurface – literally – in its waters. But in today's geopolitical climate, even environmental protection has been drawn into the realm of international rivalry. Sergey Oznobishchev, Director of the Institute of Strategic Assessments, expressed doubt that joint efforts with Germany are feasible under current conditions: 'Germany's hostility makes coordination extremely difficult. Still, the stakes are too high to ignore. One way or another, dialogue must happen' 'Establishing contacts won't be easy, and there's little political will on either side,' he said. 'Still, the importance of this issue can't be overstated. Dialogue, however difficult, will eventually be necessary.' In the meantime, the clock is ticking – not just for those rusting shells, but for the shared sea they threaten to poison.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Satellite pics show Putin ramping up Russia's closest nuke sites to Britain…housing missiles that can reach UK in 6mins
SATELLITE pictures have exposed mad Vladimir Putin's modernisation of Russia's closest nuclear sites to Britain. The Russian dictator is believed to store at least 100 atomic missiles in Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea - with missiles able to reach the UK in just six minutes. 10 10 10 10 The Kaliningrad site is among five key nuclear bases in the west of the country being upgraded by Russia as World War Three fears loom. Bombshell satellite images obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT show how in Kaliningrad, Putin's suspected nuclear weapons storage site has undergone significant reconstruction. Mad Vlad is already known to station Iskander-M missiles in the militarised Russian enclave which has land borders with two Nato states - Poland and Lithuania. And a stash of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles at the site could reach the UK in just six minutes due to their incredible range. The SSC-8 cruise missile is also likely warehoused in Kaliningrad, and have the ability to strike the UK too. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously warned that up to 100 tactical nuclear warheads could be stored at the deadly site. Images from last month show the terrifying addition of triple-layered fencing at the site, alongside brand new buildings and modern, high-tech communications equipment. Another key site, the Asipovichy base in Belarus, a former Soviet nuclear storage facility situated around 1,000 miles from the UK, is also under renovation. Satellite imagery shows new air defence installations, a new loading platform for rail-based logistics, and high security fencing. Radiation monitors are known to be at the site, and storage for iodine prophylaxis - indicating the likely basing of nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles. Similar mystery buildings have been erected at both sites. On the top-secret Kola Peninsula, Russian forces have built a dozen storage bunkers that have emerged over the past decade at Gadzhiyevo base - some 60 miles from Nato territory in Norway. Each has space for four submarine-launched ballistic missiles. At the nearby Okolnaya base, satellite images show a facility that has taken shape that allows submarines to be loaded with missiles from land. SVT reported: "We count and see that there are now around 50 bunker-like buildings there - which could mean space for 200 missiles." New building is also underway at Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago where Putin is feared to be preparing for the first nuclear bomb tests since the Soviet era. The site was inspected in recent days by military-experienced Russian politicians, who made crystal clear the facility is 'combat ready'. Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev posted from the location: 'You know, there's a lot of fascinating stuff I could say about the test site - but sadly, I cannot. 10 10 10 'The only thing I can say is we're fully combat ready.' Novaya Zemlya is notorious for its role as a Soviet nuclear test site in the Cold War. The Tsar Bomb - the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated - was tested there in 1961. The explosion was so gargantuan, it caused shockwaves that circled the Earth multiple times. Its mushroom cloud also reached over 37 miles into the sky. A total of 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya by the Soviet Union between 1955 and 1990. Of these, 86 were atmospheric, 39 underground and three underwater, according to declassified documents. The Kremlin has showcased a warning from Russia's Dr Doom to the West that it faces Armageddon by challenging Putin. Nuclear missile scientist Dr Yury Dikov, 87, developer of deadly Bulava, Yars, and Satan-2 warheads, spoke as he was awarded a top honour in the Kremlin by the Moscow dictator. The 'jackals' of the West, backing Ukraine, would 'break their teeth' on Putin's nuclear shield, he said. The atomic scientist told Putin: 'You inherited [Russia] at a very difficult time. 'You managed to pull it back from the brink of disaster and set it on the path to development. 'Now our enemies are gathering again, hoping for easy prey. 'I think that just as Napoleon failed, and Hitler failed, so too will the modern jackals of Nato fail. 'Russian nuclear scientists, represented by me at this moment, thank you for your trust. 'And we can assure you that we will not let you down and that this whole pack will break its teeth on our nuclear shield.' 10 10
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Fast Company
Why the Danish military is using these crewless vessels in the North and Baltic Seas
From a distance they look almost like ordinary sailboats, their sails emblazoned with the red-and-white flag of Denmark. But these 10-meter (30-foot) -long vessels carry no crew and are designed for surveillance. Four uncrewed robotic sailboats, known as 'Voyagers,' have been put into service by Denmark's armed forces for a three-month operational trial. Built by Alameda, California-based company Saildrone, the vessels will patrol Danish and NATO waters in the Baltic and North Seas, where maritime tensions and suspected sabotage have escalated sharply since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Two of the Voyagers launched Monday from Koge Marina, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Powered by wind and solar energy, these sea drones can operate autonomously for months at sea. Saildrone says the vessels carry advanced sensor suites—radar, infrared and optical cameras, sonar and acoustic monitoring. Their launch comes after two others already joined a NATO patrol on June 6. Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins compared the vessels to a 'truck' that carries sensors and uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to give a 'full picture of what's above and below the surface' to about 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) in the open ocean. He said that maritime threats like damage to undersea cables, illegal fishing and the smuggling of people, weapons and drugs are going undetected simply because 'no one's observing it.' Saildrone, he said, is 'going to places . . . where we previously didn't have eyes and ears.' The Danish Defense Ministry says the trial is aimed at boosting surveillance capacity in under-monitored waters, especially around critical undersea infrastructure such as fiber-optic cables and power lines. 'The security situation in the Baltic is tense,' said Lt. Gen. Kim Jørgensen, the director of Danish National Armaments at the ministry. 'They're going to cruise Danish waters, and then later they're going to join up with the two that are on (the) NATO exercise. And then they'll move from area to area within the Danish waters.' The trial comes as NATO confronts a wave of damage to maritime infrastructure—including the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions and the rupture of at least 11 undersea cables since late 2023. The most recent incident, in January, severed a fiber-optic link between Latvia and Sweden's Gotland island. The trial also unfolds against a backdrop of trans-Atlantic friction—with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration threatening to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory belonging to Denmark, a NATO member. Trump has said he wouldn't rule out military force to take Greenland. Jenkins, the founder of Saildrone, noted that his company had already planned to open its operation in Denmark before Trump was reelected. He didn't want to comment on the Greenland matter, insisting the company isn't political. Some of the maritime disruptions have been blamed on Russia's so-called shadow fleet—aging oil tankers operating under opaque ownership to avoid sanctions. One such vessel, the Eagle S, was seized by Finnish police in December for allegedly damaging a power cable between Finland and Estonia with its anchor. Western officials accuse Russia of behind behind a string of hybrid war attacks on land and at sea. Amid these concerns, NATO is moving to build a layered maritime surveillance system combining uncrewed surface vehicles like the Voyagers with traditional naval ships, satellites and seabed sensors. 'The challenge is that you basically need to be on the water all the time, and it's humongously expensive,' said Peter Viggo Jakobsen of the Royal Danish Defense College. 'It's simply too expensive for us to have a warship trailing every single Russian ship, be it a warship or a civilian freighter of some kind.' 'We're trying to put together a layered system that will enable us to keep constant monitoring of potential threats, but at a much cheaper level than before,' he added.
