Russia summons ambassadors of three countries to investigate Nord Stream explosion

Russia summoned the ambassadors of Germany, Sweden and Denmark to protest the "completely fruitless" investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that it had summoned the ambassadors of Germany, Sweden and Denmark to protest the countries' deliberate delay in investigating the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea last year. Russia expressed dissatisfaction with the "opaque nature" of the investigation as well as the countries' refusal to let Russia participate in the investigation.

"It is worth noting that these countries are not interested in establishing the true circumstances of the sabotage. On the contrary, they are delaying the investigation and trying to hide their tracks and the real perpetrators, who we believe are well-known countries," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.

The agency also stressed that Moscow will continue to try to ensure that Germany, Denmark and Sweden conduct an objective investigation with Russia's participation.

"It is no coincidence that 'leaked' information about what happened was released to the media to complicate the investigation," the statement added.

Denmark's foreign ministry confirmed its ambassador had been summoned by Russia and said authorities in Denmark, Germany and Sweden were continuing to investigate.

"Denmark has consistently provided updates to Russia on the progress of the investigation and answered their questions. We will continue to do so," the ministry said.

Air bubbles emerge from a leak on Nord Stream 2 with a diameter of about 1 km in the Baltic Sea, near the Danish island of Bornholm, September 27, 2022. Photo: Reuters — Air bubbles emerge from a leak on Nord Stream 2 with a diameter of about 1 km in the Baltic Sea, near the Danish island of Bornholm, September 27, 2022. Photo: *Reuters*

Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 are being built under the Baltic Sea to transport Russian natural gas to Germany and Western Europe. Both pipelines were severely damaged by explosions in September 2022. The pipelines were not in operation at the time.

Denmark, Sweden and Germany, the three countries closest to the scene, opened an investigation, concluding that it was an act of sabotage but have not yet identified the perpetrator.

The US and NATO have called the incident an "act of sabotage". Russia has repeatedly accused Western countries of being behind the explosions, but has not provided evidence. Moscow has also criticised Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm for not responding to requests to cooperate with the investigation.

US media in March, citing Western intelligence and diplomatic sources, said investigators had found signs that a pro-Ukrainian group had discussed the possibility of attacking Nord Stream before the explosions. The group may have then carried out the sabotage.

Ukrainian officials have denied any involvement in the explosion. Russia has also called the information about the pro-Ukrainian group a diversionary attempt to obstruct the international investigation and called on countries contributing to the Nord Stream project to push for a transparent and speedy investigation.

Germany confirmed earlier this month that investigators had searched a ship suspected of carrying explosives used in the Nord Stream sabotage. Berlin said it was trying to establish the identity and motive of the group responsible for the blast, but has so far provided no further information.