Swedish Investigation into Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions Closed for Lack of Jurisdiction
Swedish officials announced on Wednesday that they have decided to close their investigation into the September 2022 explosions on the underwater Nord Stream gas pipelines, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The Nord Stream pipelines, built to transport Russian natural gas to Germany, suffered significant damage due to the explosions. The probe closure in Sweden comes as Denmark and Germany continue their own investigations into the blasts.
The explosions occurred when Europe was attempting to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The attack on the Nord Stream pipelines further escalated tensions during this period. The source of the sabotage remains a major international mystery.
According to public prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist from the Swedish Prosecution Authority, their investigation 'has been systematic and thorough.' However, given the present circumstances, Swedish jurisdiction does not apply. The primary purpose of the Swedish investigation was to determine if Swedish citizens were involved in the act and if Swedish territory was used to carry it out, posing a risk to Swedish interests or security. Since Sweden and Swedish interests were not specifically targeted, they concluded that Swedish jurisdiction was lacking.
The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was Russia's major natural gas supply route to Germany until Russia abruptly cut off supplies in August 2022. Additionally, the blasts damaged the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had not yet entered service due to Germany suspending its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The decision by Sweden to close its investigation into the explosions, despite them partially occurring in the Swedish economic zone, has led to speculation about potential political involvement. Kenneth Øhlenschlæger Buhl of the Royal Danish Defense College suggests that Sweden may be cautious in its approach, considering its desire to join NATO and avoid further rocking the boat. It is also speculated that holding back conclusions could prevent the disclosure of sensitive information to the perpetrators.
The detonations took place approximately 80 meters underwater on the ocean floor in the Baltic Sea, within the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. Seismic measurements indicate that explosions occurred shortly before the leaks were discovered.
While the Swedish investigation has closed, the German investigation continues. Prosecutor Ljungqvist highlighted the in-depth cooperation between Swedish and German authorities and the exchange of materials that can be used as evidence in the German investigation. German federal prosecutors confirmed that their investigations are ongoing but did not provide any further information at present. The Danish investigation, led by Copenhagen police, has not yet concluded but is expected to make an announcement soon.
In addition to the geopolitical implications, the Nord Stream pipeline leaks had devastating environmental consequences. Local wildlife was affected, and a significant amount of methane was discharged into the Baltic Sea, potentially marking the largest release of methane resulting from human activity.
The incident remains shrouded in mystery, with no widely accepted explanation nearly 16 months later. Unconfirmed reports have implicated various actors, including Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, further contributing to the information vacuum surrounding the investigation.
The Nord Stream pipelines have long been criticized by the United States and its allies, who argue that they increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas and pose risks to energy security. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have accused the United States of orchestrating the explosions, labeling them as a terror attack. The U.S., however, has denied any involvement.
In March 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukraine group was linked to the sabotage, allegedly setting off from the German port of Rostock. Ukraine promptly dismissed the allegations, and German officials exercised caution in accepting the accusations.
As the investigations into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions continue, both the German and Danish authorities have yet to shed light on the incident. While Swedish prosecutors have indicated that a state actor was likely responsible, they have cautioned that the identity of the perpetrator remains unclear and may remain so.
The closure of the Swedish investigation brings attention to the complexity of the case and the challenges faced in uncovering the truth behind this significant incident in European energy infrastructure.
___ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and David Keyton in Stockholm contributed to this report.
