Europe is investigating leaks in two Russian gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, rising concerns about sabotage on energy infrastructure amid growing tensions in Europe.
While Sweden’s Maritime Authority issued a warning about two leaks and Denmark’s armed forces released a video showing bubbles boiling up to the surface of the sea, it was unclear what happened or who was behind the stoppage of the Nord Stream pipelines.
Neither pipeline was pumping gas to Europe at the time the leaks were found.
Poland’s prime minister blamed sabotage for the leaks without providing any evidence, and the Danish premier said that possibility could not be ruled out. A senior Ukrainian official called it a Russian attack to destabilize Europe.
Gas deliveries to Europe are under the spotlight after Western countries impose sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia also said sabotage was a possibility and that the incident undermined the continent’s energy security.
The escalating energy war between European capitals and Moscow has sent gas prices soaring and sparked a hunt for alternative energy supplies.
The alleged sabotage comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to scale the conflict.
According to experts, multiple undersea leaks mean neither pipeline will likely deliver any gas to Europe over the coming winter.
