The restoration of the Nord Stream gas pipelines is technically possible, according to the claims of the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
An unprecedented situation
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea have four leaks discovered since last week. The significant drop in gas pressure made it possible to detect ruptures. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak says:
“There have never been such incidents. Of course, there are technical possibilities to restore the infrastructure, but that takes time and appropriate funding. I am confident that appropriate opportunities will be found.”
The Danish Energy Agency, informed by Nord Stream AG, notes that the first pipeline has stable pressure. Thus, the flow ceased on the largest Russian gas supply route to Europe. In addition, the company states that gas was no longer flowing through the second pipeline.
Unclear responsibilities
The European Union states explain that the damage is the result of sabotage. However, EU countries, like other Western countries, avoid pointing fingers. For his part, the Russian President says that the United States and its allies were responsible.
Alexander Novak states that the United States, Ukraine and Poland were opposed to the Nord Stream pipelines. Currently, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline cannot be opened easily. Nord Stream 2 has not been in commercial operation since its construction was completed in September 2021.
