Russia opens international terrorism case in 'Nord Stream'

On September 28, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), based on documents from the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation, initiated a criminal case on international terrorism related to the explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.

In connection with the presence of signs of a crime under Part 1 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (International Terrorism Act), the FSB initiated a criminal case based on the materials of the Prosecutor General's Office. A preliminary investigation has begun.

According to the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, at the latest on September 26, in the area of ​​Bornholm Island, in the Danish Sea, deliberate actions were carried out to damage the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines located on the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline system on land in Russia. Photo: SPUTNIK NEWS

These pipelines supply natural gas to the countries of the European Union both for industrial use and for heating residential areas. The consequences of these actions have caused significant economic damage to the Russian Federation.

Earlier, the Swedish Seismological Center recorded powerful underwater explosions in the area of ​​the gas leak. German and Danish authorities do not rule out sabotage as the cause of the emergency.

Nord Stream AG, the company that operates these gas pipelines, has confirmed that there was a sudden drop in pressure on both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. The cause of the incidents is under investigation.

Both pipelines are currently offline. Nord Stream 1 was shut down in the summer due to difficulties in repairing and maintaining Siemens turbines due to sanctions. Nord Stream 2 is fully built but not yet operational, due to the suspension of certification after Russia began a special military operation in Ukraine. All branches are filled with technical gas.

Russia denies allegations of sabotaging Nord Stream pipeline

Also on September 28, the Kremlin denied allegations that Russia was behind the Nord Stream gas pipeline leak, criticizing the accusations as “stupid and absurd”.

Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Nord Stream pipeline leak was a major problem for Russia, causing it to lose its gas supply routes to Europe. Russia called on all parties to “think before making statements” and wait for the results of the investigation. Peskov also called on all parties to engage in dialogue and quick interaction to find out the cause of the incident.

Earlier, on September 26, three gas leaks were detected on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. The Swedish Maritime Authority (SMA) detected two underwater explosions before the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leaked, raising suspicions of sabotage. The SMA had previously been notified of a leak on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

In a statement, Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the EU would support any investigation to clarify what happened and why, and would take further steps to increase the bloc's resilience in energy security.

In recent months, the Nord Stream gas pipeline has become the focus of geopolitical tensions, with Europe accusing Russia of cutting off gas supplies to weaponize energy, while Russia says Western sanctions are making it impossible to ensure supplies./.