Status: 10.06.2022 16:04
After initial investigations into the Nord Stream leaks, Sweden has confirmed the suspicion of sabotage. There is a dispute over the investigation: Russia wants to participate. So far, Sweden, Denmark and Germany have been investigating together.
According to the Swedish Public Ministry, the suspicion of serious sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines has been confirmed.
Prosecutor officials and the Swedish security service in Stockholm said it was possible to confirm that there had been blasts in Swedish waters that had caused considerable damage to pipelines.
Items seized at the crime scene
Seismological institutes in Scandinavia measured magnitudes of 2.3 and 2.1, which the organizations said “likely corresponds to an explosive charge weighing several hundred kilograms.” These are “very serious incidents”. Developments will continue to be closely monitored and everything will be done to ensure Sweden’s safety.
During the investigations at the crime scene, pieces were seized that are now being investigated, announced the public prosecutor. It remains to be seen whether there will be a further process. The barriers around the leaks have already been lifted.
Several governments believe in acts of sabotage
NATO and several European countries also take on the sabotage, including Germany. A government spokeswoman stressed in Berlin that all available information indicated “that it was a deliberate act of sabotage”.
“Spiegel” cited a report by the Federal Criminal Police (BKA) according to which investigators assume a state-controlled act of sabotage. “Particularly in view of the high complexity of the execution of the crime and the corresponding preparation, it seems likely that state actors will act”, quotes “Spiegel” from the BKA report.
Russia wants to participate in investigations
However, Sweden and Denmark are in charge of investigating the gas leaks. Russia is now demanding participation in the investigation. Including Russia should be a matter of course, said the spokesman for the President’s Office in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov. Russia is also interested in clarification. “So far, however, we have only heard disturbing statements at press conferences in Denmark and Sweden that any cooperation with Russia is ruled out.” The Russian government expects “some clarification” on this.
Germany is already involved in the joint investigation team, emphasized a spokeswoman for the Federal Interior Ministry in Berlin. She was not aware of any requests from Russia to get involved.
Operator releases gas
Pipeline operator Nord Stream 2 is releasing some of the gas that is still contained in the intact pipeline. A spokesperson for Nord Stream 2 AG confirmed that it was correct that the pressure was being reduced. This is a precautionary measure. So far, the pressure of 105 bar required for the operation has been maintained. According to the information, gas began to be discharged from the pipeline on Tuesday. This process will take about eight days.
The Danish energy authority said on Twitter on Wednesday that Nord Stream 2 had reported that Russian state-owned company Gazprom was currently reducing pressure on the undamaged B pipe.
In the process, the gas that is used in the greater St. Petersburg area is removed. Nord Stream 2 AG is a subsidiary of Gazprom.