The explosions in the Nord Stream pipeline were no accident
FINNISH GOVERNMENT discussed a range of foreign policy issues on Wednesday as part of an informal weekly meeting, the so-called evening class, including the Nord Stream I explosions.
prime minister Sanna Marin (SDP) said that he has discussed the explosions with his Danish and Swedish colleagues and offered them all the necessary support to investigate the case.
“The explosions in the Nord Stream pipeline were intentional in light of all available information. Deliberately damaging and sabotaging the pipeline could be connected to a broader effort to undermine the stability of the Baltic Sea region and incite fear in Europe,” he analyzed. press conference in Helsinki.
However, he refrained from speculating on who might benefit from such consequences. According to Marin, the government authorities are closely monitoring the “very worrying situation”.
foreign minister Pekka Haavisto (The Greens) stated that the extent of the damage to the pipelines suggests that the explosions were caused by a state actor.
“Only a state actor is capable of this kind of sabotage. This is such extensive sabotage,” he said and also reminded that the methane emissions caused by the three leaks are a threat to both the climate and sea travel.
According to estimates, there could already be leaks causing emissions equivalent to a third of Denmark’s annual carbon dioxide emissions.
Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (Keski) expressed concern about the possibility that tensions in the region will increase from an already high level as a result of the incident. “However, our current assessment is that the events do not pose a military threat to Finland,” he added.
He also considered it premature to say who caused the explosion, but drew attention to the fact that the explosions coincided with the so-called referendums organized by Russia in parts of Ukraine.
“The explosions took place at the same time as these so-called referendums in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. It seems that an attempt against international law is annexing these areas to Russia. I think this creates a new basis for escalation in Ukraine. Ukraine must not be forgotten for a moment,” Kaikkonen stressed.
The Finnish government also confirmed that it will sort out the final details and announce its decision in principle to restrict the entry of Russian tourists to Finland on Thursday.
“Our decision in principle means that border traffic on the eastern border will decrease significantly,” the interior minister summed up. Krista Mikkonen (Green).
He added that the situation at the border has remained stable for the past couple of days. Helsingin sanomat newspaper was revealed on Tuesday, more than 7,700 Russians crossed the land border to Finland on Monday.
“The majority of Russians arriving in Finland – up to 80 percent – continue their journey from Finland to other parts of Europe. The distance has been busy, Mikkonen said and assured that the border authorities have had time to carry out the necessary checks.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT