President Announces Investigation into Damaged Gas Pipeline, Suspects ‘External Activity'”
In a recent development, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has issued a statement regarding the damaged gas pipeline that connects Finland and Estonia. The president expressed concerns that the damage, including that to an adjacent data cable, might not be accidental, suggesting possible “external activity.” The Finnish government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and, as a response, is launching a joint investigation with Estonian authorities.
Niinistö also mentioned a conversation he had with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who expressed NATO’s readiness to assist in the investigations. This statement reflects the high level of international cooperation and concern surrounding the incident.
Stoltenberg noted having a conversation with Niinistö on X (formerly Twitter).
Finland remains in close contact with its allies and partners, reassuring that the events have no immediate impact on the security of supply in the region. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who was expected to address the press on the issue, highlighted that the pipeline damage was not due to normal activities and that the authorities had pinpointed the leak within Finland’s economic zone.
Suspicions surrounding the incident include speculation about Russia’s involvement, but no seismic activity indicative of an explosion has been detected near the pipeline, as reported by Finnish and Estonian seismologists. Finland’s security and intelligence agencies, including the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) and the Finnish Border Guard, are actively engaged in the investigation.
The Balticconnector natural gas pipeline, which opened in 2020, connects Inkoo, Finland, to Paldiski, Estonia, and the recent pressure drop due to the damage is raising concerns. As the situation unfolds, the government, in close collaboration with relevant authorities and companies, is working to address this critical infrastructure disruption.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this ongoing investigation.
