Calm Down: Russian Subs Will 'Definitely Not Damage' Undersea Data Cables

© AP Photo / Dmitry LovetskyOne of Russia's largest Soviet-built nuclear submarines, Typhoon (Akula) class, which remains the world's largest with the displacement of about 25,000 metric tons (27,500 tons) heaves ahead in the Barents Sea at Russia's Arctic Coast in this September 2001 photo
One of Russia's largest Soviet-built nuclear submarines, Typhoon (Akula) class, which remains the world's largest with the displacement of about 25,000 metric tons (27,500 tons) heaves ahead in the Barents Sea at Russia's Arctic Coast in this September 2001 photo - Sputnik International
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Russia has no plans to cut underwater fiber-optic cables in the Atlantic Ocean that carry almost all global Internet communications despite recent rumors to the contrary, the head of the Russian State Duma's defense committee and former Black Sea Fleet commander told RIA Novosti.

"The United States increasingly resembles Sweden, often believing that Russian submarines are present in their territorial waters. Fear has many eyes. Although these data cables indeed exist, we will definitely not damage them," Vladimir Komoyedov said.

He added that Russian subs have a right to venture into the ocean to carry out patrolling missions and perform tasks in the interests of Moscow.

Launching oceanographic ship Yantar - Sputnik International
US Military Fears Russian Ships May Threaten Vital Undersea Internet Cables
Komoyedov's comments came in response to a report published by the New York Times on Sunday. The newspaper stated that US military and intelligence officials were concerned with Russia's naval activities. They were allegedly especially wary of Russian submarines severing underwater data cables.

Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Viktor Kravchenko offered an explanation as to why US officials might be worried. Russian submariners could have been ordered to become more active, he told RIA Novosti.

Apart from that, "Soviet and then Russian submarines repeatedly placed transmitters on American cables located in the Atlantic to gather information. Americans carried out similar operations in our territorial waters. Since then not much has likely changed," Kravchenko added.

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