The Washington Post reported yesterday that European investigators have found no evidence that damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea was anything other than the result of accidents rather than acts of sabotage ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. and European officials told the Post that the evidence gathered to date—including intercepted communications and other classified intelligence—points to accidents caused by inexperienced crews serving aboard poorly maintained vessels.
U.S. officials cited “clear explanations” that have come to light in each case indicating a likelihood that the damage was accidental, and a lack of evidence suggesting Russian culpability. Officials with two European intelligence services said that they concurred with U.S. assessments.