The two Russian-German gas pipelines were rendered inoperative by explosions south of the Danish island of Bornholm in international waters. The explosions occurred 17 hours later; four defects. Who could it have been? And why?
This is the great intrigue of the Baltics: the sabotage of two lines of the Russian-German gas pipeline, which took place at the end of September.
Now a few days have passed and the only certainty are the questions.
The sea keeps its secrets for the time being, leaving room for speculation without being able to give a precise answer. It takes time. After all, such punches are perfect for being “denied” by those who made them.
The explosions
The pipelines – only one operational but both full of gas – were rendered inoperative by explosions south of the Danish island of Bornholm in international waters. First it was Nord Stream 2, then Nord Stream 1, with an interval of about 17 hours.
Four leaks with subsequent loss of pressure at a depth of 70-90 meters. Events recorded by the Swedish seismographs and the defense apparatuses of the countries of the region already alarmed by the tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The scouts released images of the spill, a white circle on the surface, to document what happened.
Powerful loads
The disaster caused surprise, confusion and controversy. The request for an investigation began unanimously and meanwhile the theories began. Danes, Swedes and Germans agree on one detail: very powerful charges were used, according to intelligence sources around 500 kilograms of explosives. They didn’t want to make mistakes, the shot had to be strong.
The Guardian newspaper added the opinion of some officials: perhaps the “traps” were introduced with the help of drones for maintenance. The sources believe that these aspects are the confirmation of an action carried out by professionals, saboteurs of a state, personnel trained to act and having the appropriate technological resources.
the hypothesis
HI Sutton, one of the top experts, has suggested scenarios that mirror recent rumours. Let’s see: the bombs were planted well in advance by underwater drones; they inserted them during construction; there was the use of inspection “devices” known as PIGS, which undermined the pipes from the inside; the classic intervention carried out by a ship equipped with equipment for activities on the ground. Of course, the incursion of a submarine (and selected forces) or a special boat was also considered. Drones need a means of support, you can use a military ship or a “civilian” ship, which on board will hide what you need. There is no shortage of fleets in many countries masquerading as “scientific research units” as “offshore tugboats” equipped for deep incursion. Not infrequently, they conduct “cruises” far from their respective bases. It is part of the global challenge.
The accusations
The NATO camp continues to suspect Russia, even if the charges are not unified, and expect to have more information once any artifacts are recovered. During an interweaving of information about the presence of the Russian Navy, about the risks of infiltration, about fears of a hard fight with strategic infrastructures that have become targets.
Russia, argues one analyst, may have opted for sabotage to send a message of deterrence to avoid paying compensation for missing supplies and to increase tensions.
But this “list” does not exclude other culprits. Poles, Ukrainians and Americans were mentioned. Moscow responds by questioning the US and its allies. It was the “Anglo-Saxons,” Vladimir Putin said to everyone as a neo-tsar. And a few hours earlier, the head of his intelligence agency had spoken of an act of terrorism attributable to the Western enemy, a certainty linked to intelligence material. Evidence, which he did not present.
Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council and a key figure in the Moscow hierarchy, is more cautious: «We have no data on Western involvement, but we know that they have done so in the past. In time we will try that too ».
The environment
Governments in the region also need to consider potential side effects. The Finnish Environment Agency has reported that the first gas leak has occurred in an area where a chemical weapons dump is said to be located.
No threats have been reported at the moment. The operator of Nord Stream 2 has instead announced that the gas leak has ended thanks to the water pressure.
October 2, 2022 (change October 2, 2022 | 07:09)
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