British ship sent to North Sea following Nord Stream pipelines attacks

British ship sent to North Sea following Nord Stream pipelines attacks
Leaks on the surface from the Nord Stream pipelines. Credit: Danish Defence on Twitter

The British Royal Navy is sending a ship to the Baltic Sea following the attacks on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines last week.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the frigate ship will work with the Norwegian Royal Navy "to reassure those working near the gas pipelines," reports Sky News.

European countries, as well as experts, believe that the attacks were the work of a foreign nation and that Russia is the most likely suspect. The Kremlin has denied any responsibility for the alleged sabotage of the pipelines.

The UK does not officially blame anyone for the explosions, but Defence Minister Ben Wallace said that Russia had made "no secret" of its ability to assault critical infrastructure at the Conservative Party Conference.

Methane has bubbled near the surface since the four leaks were discovered just off the Danish island Bornholm in the Baltic Sea.

Danish, Swedish, and German authorities are investigating the case, while Swedish prosecutors on Monday announced that they will block off the area around the leaks, while the suspected sabotage is investigated.

The UN Security Council gathered for an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the pipeline attacks.

Leaks indicate a gloomy present and future

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday that "unfortunately, both a present and a future are emerging, which are more gloomy than we are used to. Authoritarian forces are gaining ground, and the international community is in turmoil."

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"We got a frightening taste of it last week with the leaks on Nord Stream 1 and 2. It was surprising and worrying," she added, while presenting an analysis on Denmark's foreign and security policy until 2034.

The report was written before the gas leaks, but stressed that "a new iron curtain descends over Europe after Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine. Russia’s willingness to use military force to change borders in Europe and seek to enforce a European order based on spheres of interest means that (Denmark) faces a significantly heightened threat picture."


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