Russia "Considering Joint Investigation Upon EU Request for Gas Pipeline Leak Incident"

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Says "Will Consider If Requested" Following EU Strong Response Announcement

On the 27th (local time), a photo taken by an F-16 fighter jet launched from Bornholm Island, Denmark, showing gas leaking from the Nord Stream 2 underwater gas pipeline in the Nordic Baltic Sea. Photo by AFP, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Russia has stated that it may consider a joint investigation with the European Union (EU) regarding the suspected explosion and leak incident involving the gas pipelines 'Nord Stream-1' and 'Nord Stream-2,' which connect Europe through the Baltic Sea seabed.

According to Sputnik News on the 28th (local time), Alexander Grushko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, said about the possibility of a joint investigation with the EU on this incident, "There has been no related request yet, but if a request comes, we will consider it."

Earlier, two leaks occurred in the seabed Nord Stream-1 within the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Denmark and Sweden. On the 26th, a gas leak was confirmed in the nearby seabed Nord Stream-2.

It is known that just before the leak, a massive energy release presumed to be an explosion occurred in the area.

Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom indefinitely suspended the operation of Nord Stream-1 earlier this month, citing leak detection during routine inspections. Nord Stream-2 has not been operated since its completion at the end of last year due to Western sanctions against Russia. Therefore, the impact of this incident on European energy supply is expected to be minimal.

However, concerns have been raised about safety accidents and environmental damage as a large amount of compressed gas inside the pipelines is being released into the sea.

Both Russia and the West are placing weight on the possibility of deliberate sabotage (covert destructive acts) rather than simple malfunction or damage. Both sides are suspicious of each other regarding the perpetrators.

Regarding the leak incident, the EU has indicated a strong response through investigation.

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated in a declaration on behalf of the 27 member states on the same day, "All available information points to this leak being the result of an intentional act," emphasizing, "We will respond strongly and collectively to any deliberate disruption of Europe's energy infrastructure."

On the other hand, Russia expressed its position, saying, "The situation is very concerning as it is an issue related to the energy security of the entire continent."