The blasts in September that caused massive leaks from the natural gas pipelines from Russia to Europe were caused by “gross sabotage,” Swedish authorities confirmed Friday, noting that traces of explosives have been found as part of the ongoing investigation.
Swedish authorities said that their examination of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea has documented “extensive damage” and revealed several “foreign items” — some with detectable “explosive residue,” the Washington Post reported.
European leaders have repeatedly said that Russia is responsible for the act, noting that Russia is the only country with the technical capability and motivation to damage the Nord Stream pipelines with underwater explosions.
Although the pipeline damage did not have an immediate impact on Europe’s energy supplies, European leaders suggested the explosions were intended as a threat, sending a message that their critical infrastructure could be vulnerable if they continued their support of Ukraine.
