The Swedish energy authority, which has jurisdiction over the area of the Nord Stream Baltic Sea natural gas pipeline leak, stated on the 30th (local time) that there is a very high possibility that this incident was carried out at a national level, effectively reiterating suspicions of Russian involvement.
Khas Khaviar Farmanbar, Sweden's Minister of Energy and Digital Development, told reporters ahead of the European Union (EU) Energy Ministers' meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, that "(the leak) is very likely deliberate and not accidental."
Foreign media reported that he said it is highly likely the result of actions by a nation-state.
Minister Farmanbar also mentioned, "This issue should be viewed from the perspective of the current security situation in Europe."
This is interpreted as meaning that the incident occurred at a time when Russia had reduced gas supplies to Europe, intensifying the energy crisis.
It also aligns with the Western perception that Russia is behind the pipeline damage, which is presumed to be sabotage (covert destructive operation).
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