Nord Stream Pipeline Damaged — Sabotage Suspected
This could increase fuel insecurity in Europe as winter approaches
--
Note: I provide links to all of my sources. They are underlined and in boldface. I want my readers to be able to check out all sources for themselves.
The Nord Stream energy pipelines connecting Russia to Germany were damaged on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022. Both Nord Stream 1 and 2 suffered from leaks. The damaged offshore pipelines lie beneath the Baltic Sea.
Video shows boiling water above the damaged pipeline.
According a statement by the German Environment Ministry the gas bubbles do not pose a threat to the marine life in the Baltic Sea. However, leaking methane is an issue.
Methane is the main component of natural gas and, when in contact with the air, could lead to explosions. Also, it is a greenhouse gas that is much worse for the environment than carbon dioxide.
Germany argued that sabotage was responsible for the catastrophe, while Russia says it’s too early to conclude that, though it is a possibility. Germany however thinks there is no other plausible explanation.
Due to international sanctions against Russia, maintenance was not possible according to operators of the pipelines, and service had been stopped.
However, in the face of fuel shortages, thousands of Germans were protesting on Sunday in the northern town of Lubmin. They demanded that Nord Stream 2 be turned back on.
“So that our homeland has a future, finally open Nord Stream 2,” they chanted.
While Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen agreed with Germany’s suspicions, United States Secretary of State Tony Blinken stated that sabotage was not in anyone’s interest.
The Asia Times speculates on who was responsible, pointing out that several European countries as well as the U.S. Navy SEALS could have carried out the attack.
Finland, for example, is in a serious dispute with Russia due to its decision to join NATO. There is also plenty of tension between the Baltic countries and Russia.
