Russian President, Vladimir Putin has said that following the Nordstream 1 and 2 mystery explosions, every energy infrastructure throughout the whole world is “under threat”
Nordstream 1 and 2 are two subsea pipelines connecting Russia to Germany, which are at the center of international intrigue after a series of blasts caused what might be the single largest release of methane in history — and many suspect it was the result of an attack.
A recent investigation by Scandinavian experts last week reinforced suspicions of “gross sabotage.” Many in Europe suspect the incident was the result of an attack, particularly as it occurred during a bitter energy standoff between the European Union and Russia.
Also Read: Sweden Turns Down Putin’s Request To View Nordstream Gasline Explosion Findings
Putin referred to the explosions that took the Nordstream 1 pipeline, which had its flows halted prior to the blast, offline as an act of terror that set a dangerous precedent. “It shows that any critically important object of transport, energy or utilities infrastructure is under threat,” no matter where it is or who it belongs to.
On Tuesday, the Polish pipeline operator PERN said it detected a leak on its Drzhba oil pipeline, which carries crude oil from Russia to Europe. PERN switched off the line to Germany immediately, and while the cause of the leak is unknown, Poland sees it for now as accidental.
Also in October, train service across Germany was halted when severed cables in two separate locations disrupted train travel. In that incident, Germany referred to the incident as sabotage.
“We have increased vigilance since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, because we know that infrastructures have become an increased target,” German transport minister, Volker Wissing, told a German public broadcaster on Monday.
Also Read: Nord Stream Leaks: Swedish Investigation Points at Sabotage
Pipeline infrastructure is critical to Europe and Russia as the only means of energy shipments that will not be subject to the upcoming EU embargo, which covers only seaborne shipments.
Russian President, Putin has blamed the Nordstream 1 and 2 pipeline incident on the United States, Ukraine, and Poland, while the U.S. hasn’t ruled out Russia’s involvement.
Russia has, however, offered to ship gas through the second Nordstream 2 line, which remains undamaged. But that line has not received certification to ship gas into Europe due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Be the first to know when we publish an update
