Swedish authorities say they have identified a fourth breach along sections of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines that run under the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany. The exact circumstances behind the ruptures remain unknown, but NATO has now joined the European Union (EU) in concluding that they were most likely the result of some kind of deliberate attack. Readers can find out more about the details that had already emerged in our preceding coverage of the incidents.
The newly announced rupture is the second to be detected along the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. There are two other known ruptures in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The first breaches were detected on Monday following a series of large underwater explosions. At the time of writing, neither the EU nor NATO, or any of their member states independently, appear to have formally accused any actor of culpability, though fingers have increasingly been pointing at Russia.
NATO Says All Signs Point To Sabotage Of Baltic Undersea Pipelines
Swedish authorities say they have found a another ruptured section along the two Nord Stream pipelines following apparent attacks this week.
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Swedish and Danish authorities are among those investigating the incidents, with other countries in Europe and beyond, such as the United States, assisting. Sweden and Denmark are both EU members. Demark is also a NATO member, while Sweden is currently in the process of joining the alliance.
"The damage to the Nordstream 1 and Nordstream 2 pipelines in international waters in the Baltic Sea is of deep concern," a statement from NATO today read. "All currently available information indicates that this is the result of deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage. These leaks are causing risks to shipping and substantial environmental damage. We support the investigations underway to determine the origin of the damage."
"We, as Allies, have committed to prepare for, deter and defend against the coercive use of energy and other hybrid tactics by state and non-state actors," that statement added, but did not name any specific party as being responsible for the pipeline incidents. "Any deliberate attack against Allies’ critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response."
This is in line with a separate statement from the EU yesterday, which said "all available information indicates those leaks are the result of a deliberate act" and promised "a robust and united response."
"The idea that the United States was in any way involved in the apparent sabotage of these pipelines is preposterous," State Department spokesperson Price said during a separate press briefing yesterday. "It is nothing more than a function of Russian disinformation and should be treated as such."
"We are aware of reports concerning leaks to the Nord Stream pipelines," Capt. Lawrence had also said in a statement issued yesterday. "We stand ready to provide support and assistance in close coordination with our allies and partners, if needed."