Denmark: Nord Stream Sabotaged, No Ground for Criminal Charges

Facts

• Denmark on Monday wrapped up its investigation into the 2022 explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines, concluding that the blasts resulted from deliberate sabotage. However, Danish authorities said there weren't 'sufficient grounds' to pursue a criminal case.¹
• Previously, neighboring Sweden closed its investigation into the Nord Stream explosions Feb. 7, determining that a state actor was the most likely culprit. But it ended further probes because it lacked jurisdiction to prosecute foreign governments.²
• Denmark's investigation, which was one of three into the incident, was called 'both complex and comprehensive' by Danish authorities, who refused further comment.³
• Meanwhile, Germany's investigation continues, with the German federal prosecutor's office saying it can't provide further details at this time.⁴
• In September 2022, four gas leaks were found in the two Russian pipelines — which were largely controlled by Gazprom — shortly after seismic institutes recorded two underwater explosions. Two occurred in Denmark's exclusive economic zone while two were in Sweden's.⁵
• Nord Stream 1 had been transporting gas from Russia to Europe under the Baltic Sea before it was destroyed by the explosion that also damaged Nord Stream 2, which wasn’t yet in service. Russia and Ukraine have each accused the other of sabotaging the pipelines.⁶

Sources: ¹Associated Press, ²FOX News, ³ABC News, ⁴Al Jazeera, ⁵France 24 and ⁶The Guardian.

Narratives

• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by RT. Denmark is covering up for its NATO allies by claiming they blew up the pipelines while refusing to pursue further probes. It's absurd to believe Russia blew up its own pipeline, while Western powers were the ones with the motive. Seymour Hersh found evidence of the Biden administration ordering the pipeline's destruction, which is the logical explanation.
• Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by POLITICO. After two completed investigations, there's still no consensus on who's responsible for the bombings. Denmark and Sweden were only looking into whether domestic actors were involved, so they can't determine who might've done it. Since credible sources have pointed a finger at Russia, it's still possible Moscow ordered the bombing.

Predictions