**Russian-linked Oil Tanker Released by Finland**
A Russian oil tanker, the Eagle S, was allowed to leave Finnish waters on March 2 after it was detained for damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
The tankers’ crew members were being investigated by Finnish authorities on suspicion of sabotage. However, they found “no longer grounds” to continue detaining the ship and its crew. Three crew members are still barred from leaving Finland as part of the investigation.
**Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”**
The Eagle S is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of ships used by Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions and export oil and gas. These vessels often operate under opaque ownership structures, making them difficult to track.
**Investigation Continues**
Finnish authorities suspect that the Eagle S intentionally dragged its anchor along dozens of kilometers of the Baltic seabed, causing damage to undersea cables. The investigation is ongoing, but it’s unclear if there was deliberate sabotage or an accident.
**Global Reaction**
The incident has sparked concerns about Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, which includes cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and covert operations to stir discord in the West.
In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, where they discussed support for Ukraine. The UK, France, and other countries are working on a ceasefire plan to be presented to the US.
**Other News**
* A 53-year-old woman was killed in an attack in Ukraine’s Dniprovskyi district.
* Russia and China are attempting to recruit US federal national security employees impacted by Trump-era layoffs.
* Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers will not deliver fuel to the US Navy until Donald Trump is no longer president.
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