Finnish and Estonian operators, Gasgrid Finland and Elering, detected an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector pipeline, prompting the decision to halt the supply of natural gas. The Balticconnector project, initiated in 2007, saw the launch of a 151 km gas pipeline twelve years later, including a 77 km offshore segment beneath the Gulf of Finland. With a maximum throughput of 2.6 billion cubic meters per year, the pipeline suffered damage, raising concerns about potential external influence, write czech news web Aktuální zprávy.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, in preliminary assessments, dismissed the possibility of pipeline damage from normal operations or pressure fluctuations. President Sauli Niiniste suggested the likelihood of external interference causing the gas pipeline and telecommunications cable damage.
Gasgrid Finland indicated that repair work, if a leak is confirmed, may extend for “at least several months,” impacting approximately one-third of Finnish gas consumers. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas assured there was no immediate threat to energy supplies, with investigations underway in both Estonia and Finland.
Information about the incident emerged after a meeting between Prime Minister Kallas and intelligence agencies. Both governments are treating the incident seriously, coordinating efforts to ascertain the circumstances.
Prime Minister Kallas communicated with Prime Minister Orpo, outlining ongoing investigations. Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation initiated a criminal probe into the possible sabotage of the Balticconnector, while Estonia launched an investigation into the faulty communication cable.
Norwegian seismic observations noted a “possible explosion” in the gas pipeline area before its shutdown. A Dutch government report from February 2023 suggested that Russian intelligence services were covertly mapping North Sea energy infrastructure.
Suspicions of Russia’s involvement in the gas pipeline incident were further fueled by the presence of Russian ships near the Finnish coast. The Finnish leadership, considering Russia’s track record, deems Moscow’s role likely. The Balticconnector was designed to reduce dependence on Russian Gazprom, making Russia a probable suspect in the context of energy geopolitics.
The Finnish perspective aligns with the belief that Russia might be responsible for the gas pipeline leak, especially considering the proximity of Russian ships and previous incidents, such as attacks on Nord Stream.
The damage occurred just before the “Russian Energy Week,” where Putin expressed dissatisfaction with Europe’s rejection of Russian gas. The incident is viewed as potentially part of a Kremlin propaganda campaign to destabilize Europe’s energy security, particularly in light of the damaged pipeline’s estimated return to operation by April 2024.
NATO Secretary General expressed readiness to assist in the investigation, indicating a decisive and united response if deliberate attack suspicions are confirmed. European Council President Charles Michel voiced EU support for Estonia and Finland, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Moscow promptly responded to the emergency, with a Kremlin spokesperson expressing concern and indicating a readiness to await detailed information from the ongoing investigation.
Following the age-old advice to “look for who benefits,” it requires no extraordinary analytical acumen to discern that the primary, if not sole, beneficiary in the Balticconnector situation appears to be the Kremlin. While this remains speculative, concrete conclusions can only be drawn post a comprehensive investigation. Nevertheless, the world is well aware of the identity of the contemporary aggressor and the extent of their capabilities.
The incident involving the Balticconnector pipeline serves as another stark reminder to the global community that terrorism recognizes no boundaries. It is crucial to bear this in mind and draw pertinent conclusions promptly. Today’s decisions carry significance for tomorrow, emphasizing the imperative of acknowledging this reality.
**https://aktualnezpravodajstvi.cz/2023/10/12/usi-kremlu-aneb-kam-vedou-stopy-havarie-plynovodu-balticconnector/**
by Ting-Biso-5