Damage to Baltic Gas Pipeline Raises Concerns for Kremlin
Kremlin Expresses Concern Over Balticconnector Gas Pipeline Damage
The Kremlin has expressed deep concern over the recent damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline, which connects Estonia and Finland. The attack on the Nord Stream pipeline last year has been cited as a dangerous precedent, raising fears about the security of critical infrastructure.
Deliberate Act Suspected in Baltic Sea Pipeline Damage
Finland announced on Tuesday that both a subsea gas pipeline and a telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea had been damaged. Authorities suspect that the incidents may have been deliberate acts, heightening tensions in the region.
Kremlin Spokesman Voices Concerns
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed his concern over the pipeline damage, stating that it is distressing news. While technical information is currently unavailable, Peskov emphasized the gravity of the situation, indicating potential dangers to critical infrastructure.
Previous Attacks on Nord Stream Cited
Peskov highlighted previous attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines as dangerous precedents. Moscow has accused the United States and Britain of being responsible for the explosions in September 2022, although both countries have denied involvement. The recent damage to the Balticconnector pipeline raises concerns that similar attacks could occur.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Nord Stream Attack
The attack on the Nord Stream pipeline remains shrouded in mystery, with no definitive attribution to any party. On September 26, 2022, a sharp drop in pressure and subsequent explosions were detected. Swedish and Danish investigators are still working to determine the responsible party.
Controversial Claims and Dismissals
Various claims have emerged regarding the Nord Stream attack. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh alleged that U.S. navy divers, acting on President Joe Biden’s orders, destroyed the pipelines with explosives. The White House and Norway have dismissed these claims as baseless and false.
Significance of Nord Stream Pipelines
The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines play a crucial role in Russia’s gas exports, with a combined annual capacity of 110 billion cubic meters. These pipelines, spanning 1,224 kilometers from Russia to Germany, operate at depths of 80-110 meters. The damage to the Balticconnector pipeline raises concerns about the stability of this vital energy infrastructure.
