Russia’s prime minister has asked for a role in the Nord Stream probe, says Sweden | The Mighty 790 KFGO
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Russia’s prime minister has sent a letter to the Swedish government requesting a role for Russian authorities in the investigation into the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines, Sweden’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
A Swedish crime scene investigation of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines from Russia to Europe has found evidence of detonations and prosecutors suspect sabotage.
“On October 6, a letter was received from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson with a request that Russian authorities and the company Gazprom be involved in the Swedish investigation,” writes the Swedish Foreign Ministry in an email.
Sweden has previously rejected calls from the Kremlin for Russia to take part in the investigation.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Thursday that Moscow would insist on a “comprehensive and open investigation” that includes Russian officials and Gazprom.
“Not allowing the owner (of the pipelines) to witness the investigation means there is something to hide,” Zakharova said.
Swedish and Danish authorities have investigated four leaks after the pipelines, which link Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea and have become a flashpoint in the Ukraine crisis, were damaged early last week.
Europe, which previously relied on Russia for around 40% of its gas, is facing an energy crisis in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine which has drastically reduced supplies of the fuel.
(Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)