The chief investigator noted that it now appears that the damage was caused by mechanical force rather than an explosion.
Finnish authorities believe a “state actor” was involved in the damage to the gas pipeline and parallel telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea. Reuters reported this on October 12.
The damage was likely caused by “external influences,” Finland said.
“The participation of a state actor in this action cannot be left out. Who is behind it is a matter of preliminary investigation. We do not comment on it in more detail,” said Antti Pelttari, director of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service .
Earlier, Finnish authorities said external traces were found on the seabed near the damaged pipeline. The chief investigator also said it now appears the damage was caused by mechanical force rather than an explosion.
Let’s recall that on October 8, the Finnish state gas transmission system operator Gasgrid Finland announced the closure of the Balticconnector gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia due to the suspicion of a possible gas leak.
Finland is investigating damage to a gas pipeline as a result of external influences. The country’s political and military leadership admitted Russia’s involvement in this incident.
It could take up to five months to repair the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline. The pipeline is likely to return to operation no earlier than April next year.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.