Denmark and Sweden equated the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions to “hundreds of kilos” of explosives, which caused leaks that are still being controlled by both countries.
The four leaks detected in Russian gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 y 2 were caused by detonations equivalent to “hundreds of kilos” of explosivesaccording to a letter sent by the governments of Sweden and Denmark to the UN Security Council.
The letter, broadcast by Danish media, highlights that between last Sunday and Tuesday its seismic services recorded explosions with a value of 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter scale in Baltic watersnear the Danish island of Bornholm.
As the Danish Foreign Minister, Jeppe Kofod, declared this Friday at the end of a meeting of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, this is data already known by public opinion and the objective of the letter is “to put the facts regarding the table” before the Security Council meeting that will debate the matter this Friday.
Neither Denmark nor Sweden are part of this body, although they might have asked to participate in the meeting, convened at the request of Russia, something they have not done.
Kofod avoided commenting on why they have not taken this step and stressed that it is also an “international issue.”
Two leaks have been located in each pipeline (both out of service), two in the Danish zone and two in the Swedish zone, all in international waters, which the affected governments have described as “sabotage”.
The Danish Foreign Minister pointed out that he has not contacted Russian representatives and that his country, under international law, has the right to investigate the leaks, which occurred in its exclusive economic zone.
“It is important to us that this is strictly followed,” said Kofod.
Denmark and Sweden have opened investigations, but progress is slow as gas continues to leak from the pipelines.
The Danish General Directorate of Energy reported two days ago that more than half of the gas had left and that the flow might stop this Sunday, which would allow an underwater inspection.
The electricity and gas sectors of Denmark and Sweden have raised the alarm level on their facilities due to leaks and the same has been done by neighboring Norway, despite the fact that it does not have a coast in the Baltic, including a military presence.
