Denmark says Nord Stream blasts were 'sabotage' but ends probe

Denmark has closed its investigation into the explosions on the two Nord Stream pipelines that occurred months into the start of the Ukraine conflict. The Danish authorities believe sabotage was involved, but after "complicated and extensive" enquiries said it would not proceed further. 

In a statement, Copenhagen police said "sabotage of the pipelines was intentional ...(but) there is not the necessary basis for pursuing a criminal case in Denmark."

It follows a similar announcement earlier in February by Sweden, who said the case did not fall within its own jurisdiction, instead transferring evidence gathered to German investigators.

'Huge methane peak'

Built and majority-owned by Russia's state-controlled Gazprom, Nord Stream 1 carries Russian gas from the Baltic port of Vyborg to Lubmin in northern Germany, and came into service in 2012. The second pipeline, completed in September 2021, has remained dormant since February 2022. 

Germany canceled certification, just days before the bombardment of Ukraine by Russian troops began. Seven months later, in September 2022, four ruptures were found on the two pipelines within the space of a few days. The authorities claim the leaks sent a "huge methane peak" into the Baltic Sea, off the Danish island of Bornholm.

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While the explosions happened in international waters, Denmark, Sweden and Germany all opened investigations into the cause. Swedish prosecutors claimed that traces of explosives had been found on several objects recovered from the site, blaming "gross sabotage."

Poland and Ukraine claimed Moscow was responsible, by seeking to further squeeze energy supplies to Europe at a time of escalating consumer prices. Russia denied the claims and instead blamed the U.S., along with the UK and Ukraine.

With the news of Denmark's withdrawal, Germany said it is deciding on what steps to take in the investigation, adding that it "continues to be very interested in who is behind it."

In Moscow, the Kremlin called Denmark's decision to end its probe as "close to absurd." Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "On the one hand, they recognize that a deliberate sabotage took place, but on the other hand they are not moving forward." 

Russia has previously said its own inquiries into the Nord Stream blast are ongoing. Earlier this month it was reported that Russia planned to seal up and mothball both Nord Stream gas pipelines, with no immediate plans to repair or reactivate them. 

European investors including Germany's E.ON, and France's Engie have written off their stake in the project.

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