Denmark halts investigation into Nord Stream pipeline explosion.

Denmark has halted its investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany in September 2022, a decision that Moscow has criticized as "ridiculous".

"Based on the investigation results, authorities can conclude that the sabotage of the pipeline was intentional. At the same time, authorities also assess that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute the case," Danish police said today, referring to the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

According to Danish police, Copenhagen decided to close the investigation due to insufficient grounds to pursue the case, a move that drew opposition from Russia.

"This situation is ridiculous. They admit to deliberate sabotage, but then refuse to continue the investigation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He accused Denmark of repeatedly refusing requests to share information about the investigation.

Bubbles of gas rise from a leak on Nord Stream 2, approximately 1 km in diameter, in the Baltic Sea near the Danish island of Bornholm, September 27, 2022. Photo: Reuters

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, running from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea, were damaged in explosions in September 2022. At the time, both pipelines were inactive. Two of the Nord Stream leaks are located within Sweden's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and two within Denmark's EEZ.

Denmark, along with Sweden and Germany, the three countries closest to the scene, subsequently launched an investigation, concluding it was an act of sabotage, but refused to allow Russia to participate in the effort to determine the cause.

On February 7, Sweden announced that it lacked jurisdiction and halted its investigation. Stockholm handed over documents that could be used as evidence in Berlin's ongoing investigation. Peskov then said that Russia would continue to monitor the German authorities' investigation.

Russia and the West accused each other of being behind the explosions, but offered no evidence. The Russian Federal Security Service launched an investigation into "international terrorism" in connection with the sabotage. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would be transparent about the results of its investigation.

Location of leaks after explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in September 2022. Graphic: Guardian

By Như Tâm (According to Reuters, AFP )

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