No service due War in Ukraine, Nord Stream Gas Pipelines Connecting Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea affected both Spectacular leaks before underwater explosionsThe European Union commits “Possible Answer” In this “nasty job”. European diplomatic chief Joseph Borrell responded on Wednesday morning “Deliberate disruption of Europe’s energy infrastructure is completely unacceptable and will meet with a strong and united response.”
Europe demands an investigation into this “sabotage”.
The three largest leaks identified since Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, are from Bornholm, a Danish island between southern Sweden and Poland, where bubbles between 200 meters and one kilometer in diameter are visible on the surface, the Danish military announced on Tuesday. Supporting images.
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline experienced a sharp drop in pressure on Monday, followed a few hours later by Nord Stream 1, which runs through the Baltic.
European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen wrote on Twitter Tuesday evening “Nord Stream Sabotage Talked About” With Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
“It is necessary to investigate the incidents and throw full light on the incidents […] Deliberate disruption of active European energy infrastructure is unacceptable and will likely trigger a strong response.Added Ursula von der Leyen.
“These are premeditated actions.”
The Prime Minister of Denmark announced this a while ago “It is the clear opinion of the authorities that these are premeditated actions. We are not talking about an accident.
“There were explosions, it could be sabotage”was added Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson resignsIt takes care of the current affairs after the failed elections on September 11.
Like Denmark, Sweden does not see this as an act of aggression against it, as the incidents took place outside territorial waters and in exclusive economic zones.
According to Copenhagen, the spills should last “At least a week”until all the gas has left both structures.
The Swedish Seismological Agency recorded two underwater explosions. “Probably due to explosions”Before the incident, like its Norwegian and Danish counterparts.
All eyes on the Kremlin
The subject of geopolitical arm-wrestling in recent months, two pipelines operated by a consortium that depends on Russian giant Gazprom are out of action as a result of the war in Ukraine. But both were full of gas.
The Kremlin, turning many an eye, said to himself “very concerned”Assuming it should not be excluded “no” Hypothesis, including vandalism.
At Q, Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Ukrainian president, condemned. “Planned Terrorist Attack” Without proof, by Moscow.
The Polish prime minister also suggested Russian intervention. “We clearly see this as an act of sabotage, which represents the next step in the escalation of the situation in Ukraine.”said Mateusz Morawiecki, who inaugurated the gas pipeline connecting Norway to Poland on Tuesday.
“We’re not ruling out any scenario, but we’re not going to speculate about motives or actors.” Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde explained that it could be involved.
“So far we have not been told anything about those responsible.”Mette Frederiksen said.
“Extremely Rare”
On the American side, Washington, after refusing “to confirm” He said he was reviewing reports of acts of vandalism and leaks “Result of attack or some form of sabotage”. “If that’s confirmed, it’s clearly in nobody’s interest.”Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told reporters.
US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan spoke “Clear Vandalism” In a tweet, after speaking with his Danish counterpart Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe.
The pipelines’ operator, Nord Stream Consortium, agreed“It is not unusual for three pipelines to encounter difficulties in a single day.”According to a spokesperson.
Denmark sent two warships with helicopters to the scene, and put its energy infrastructure on orange alert, the second-highest alert level.
“Gas pipeline leaks are very rare, so we see a reason to increase awareness” After the events of the last 24 hours, the director of the Danish Energy Agency, Kristofer Potsau, explained.
Kremlin says doubting Russia ‘stupid and absurd’
The Kremlin reacted to EU attacks against it. He is one “Stupid and Absurd” He said on Wednesday (Sept 28) that Russia is suspected of being behind the massive leaks detected after the explosions that hit the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
“He’s very predictable” Some blame Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “Predictable, Stupid and Ridiculous”Spills affecting Nord Stream 1 and 2, he added “problem” To Moscow, because Russian gas flows out of it “Too expensive”.
Navigation and overflight prohibited
Nord Stream 2, due for completion in 2021, is intended to double Germany’s ability to import Russian gas. Its mission was suspended in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
As for Nord Stream 1, Gazprom gradually reduced the amount of gas delivered until the pipeline was completely shut down at the end of August, blaming Western sanctions for delaying needed repairs to the facility.
Navigation within a five-nautical-mile (about nine-kilometer) radius around the three spills is prohibited, as are overflights within a one-kilometer radius of them.
According to Danish authorities, these incidents have no consequences for the safety or health of local residents. Although unflared natural gas has a powerful greenhouse effect, the direct environmental impact should also be minimal.
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