Observing from the deck of the Finnish patrol vessel, I witnessed armed individuals descending from a helicopter and launching an assault on the ship.

The masked security personnel quickly advanced to the ship’s control center, vociferously commanding the situation. Fortunately, this was merely a simulation conducted by the Finnish Border Guard, who actively safeguard an 830-mile border along NATO’s eastern perimeter, particularly against Russia. Additionally, they engage in encounters with vessels linked to Putin’s covert fleet in the Gulf of Finland and have conducted operations on ships suspected of tampering with crucial undersea cables.

Demonstrating their procedures for seizing control of a suspicious vessel, camouflaged personnel showcased their tactics to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during her recent visit to Finland and Norway. The proximity to Russia felt palpable as we boarded the Turva, an offshore patrol vessel in Helsinki, overlooking the Gulf of Finland, which extends to St Petersburg, the easternmost part of the Baltic Sea.

Given the close proximity to Russia, Finland must contend with Putin’s disruptive strategies and hybrid warfare tactics. The visit by Ms. Cooper highlights the significant threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet to Britain.

During our discussion, Ms. Cooper intensified her calls for decisive measures to combat the network of aging oil tankers operating under questionable flags. These vessels not only contribute to funding Putin’s unlawful actions against Ukraine by evading Western sanctions but have also been implicated in sabotaging undersea cables crucial for telecommunications and energy supply networks.

Reports suggest that the UK is exploring the legal aspects of potentially boarding these vessels after assisting US special forces in a recent dramatic operation targeting a tanker associated with Russia. The Foreign Secretary’s trip coincides with escalating tensions in the Arctic region.

The changing climate leading to warmer seas has triggered a geopolitical contest as new maritime routes open up and resources become more accessible due to melting ice. The issue of Greenland’s potential annexation by Donald Trump has brought this matter to the forefront of global discussions.

With a focus on demonstrating its role in shaping security in the High North alongside NATO allies, Britain aims to play a pivotal part. However, the actions of the US President could potentially disrupt these efforts if his threats materialize.