Tusk was speaking following a meeting with Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, that came amid rising concerns over the vulnerability of infrastructure in the Baltic Sea to attack.

On December 25, the Estlink-2 cable carrying electricity between Finland and Estonia was damaged after a Russian vessel, the Eagle S, according to the Finnish authorities, dragged its anchor across the seabed.

“In light of the strange incidents involving Russian and Chinese ships, and damage to undersea installations in the Baltic Sea, which greatly concerned all the countries in the region, we proposed that the Baltic Sea sees an increased military presence from local NATO allies, following the example of protecting our airspace, and the Alliance’s Secretary General told me they will work on this idea immediately,” Tusk said.

He said that these developments are part of a broader effort to ensure Poland’s security and stability amid increasing geopolitical challenges.

“This is only one element of the larger project for a safe and peaceful Poland,” Tusk added.

Security threats over the Baltic

The damage to critical infrastructure and the presence of foreign vessels near sensitive installations have increased calls for a robust NATO response.

On December 27, Rutte confirmed that the Alliance would increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea, a critical trade and security artery for northern Europe.

His statement followed discussions with Alexander Stubb, the Finnish president, with Finland suspecting Russia of damaging or severing four internet cables.

Earlier on December 11, Poland’s defense minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, urged NATO members' navies to take part in policing the Baltic Sea, including those from beyond the region, in view of the potential threat from Russia.

The Baltic Sea, often referred to as NATO’s “northern flank,” has seen growing militarization due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and its efforts to evade sanctions.