Sabotage of Nord Stream Confirmed

 

Swedish authorities confirmed that “gross sabotage” caused the recent damage to the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline. Investigators found traces of explosives at the site of damage, they said on November 18.

The investigation is extensive and complex and will eventually show whether anyone can be suspected of, and later prosecuted for this.
Swedish Security Service statement

  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia will not decide on making repairs until a full damage assessment to the Nord Stream gas pipelines is complete.

Background: Two massive explosions damaged Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 on September 27. Stephen Flurry wrote at the time:

Various sources suggest it may have been Russia, Ukraine or even the United States—but no matter who carried out the attack, it certainly highlights how vulnerable Europe’s energy grid is. Targeted attacks on the energy sector have been increasing in recent years, but the Nord Stream attack takes things to a new level. … As risk analyst Peter Burgherr pointed out, only “state actors” have a realistic chance of destroying Nord Stream.

Read his article “Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage” to understand more about the significance of this attack.