Moscow rumoured to be exploring hi-tech methods of warfare including attacks on critical technological infrastructure which powers the global economy

Break the internet: Russia could be planning to do what even Kim Kardashian's bottom couldn't manage

American officials fear Russia is planning to underwater cables in a bid to bring down the internet.

Submarines and ships have reportedly been circling around key parts of the global network which carries digital information around the planet.

It is feared that Moscow is laying the groundwork for a devastating cyberattack which could put a massive dent in the economies of its enemies.

Senior intelligence officials told The New York Times that Russian submarines appear to be carrying out reconnaissance around undersea cables near Cuba.

Defence chiefs are worried that Putin could bring down his enemy's internet connection in the event of war.

PA

Underwater and undercover: What are Russia's deep sea ambitions?

A top-raking European diplomat told the newspaper: “The level of activity is comparable to what we saw in the Cold War.”

Undersea cables are the nerves of the global economy and carry about 95% of all global communications, which is worth a total of $10 trillion a day.

If they were severed, it could potentially cause stock markets to crash and food deliveries to fail.

Russia is becoming an increasingly assertive player on the global stage and appears to be beefing up its military arsenal.

Moscow is said to be working to develop an underwater drone capable of sneaking under a nation's defences and detonating a nuclear bomb - a weapon which will be particularly threatening to cities like London.