STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Sweden’s Prosecution Authority has wrapped up its investigation into the explosion and subsequent damage to the Nord Stream pipelines, citing lack of jurisdiction in the case. This decision comes after the underwater pipelines connecting Russia to Germany were blown up in September 2022. The investigation, which has been ongoing for some time, has failed to definitively determine the source of the explosions.
Following the incident, several Western officials referred to the pipe leaks as “deliberate acts of sabotage,” but there was no conclusive evidence linking the damage to Russian involvement. In April 2023, Denmark confirmed that a Russian vessel was in close proximity to the location of the sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines. Meanwhile, U.K. intelligence sources alleged that Russia was behind the attack, but again, there was no concrete evidence to support this claim.
The Swedish Prosecution Authority stated that the purpose of their investigation was to determine whether Swedish citizens were involved in the act and whether Swedish territory was used to carry it out, potentially damaging Swedish interests or security. However, after finding no connection to Sweden or Swedish citizens, and considering that the explosions occurred in international waters, prosecutors concluded that there was no basis to continue the investigation.
While the case in Sweden has been closed, German and Danish investigations are ongoing. Some German investigators have linked the explosions to Ukraine, accusing a crew of Ukrainians of carrying out the sabotage, but without confirming whether the act was officially authorized by Kyiv. Ukraine has denied any involvement in the incident. Sources with knowledge of the German investigation also indicated suspicions that the attack was launched from Poland, although there is no concrete evidence connecting the Polish government or officials to the explosions.
The Nord Stream pipeline explosions remain a point of contention between various nations, with each asserting different theories and casting suspicion on each other. As authorities continue their investigations, the true source of the sabotage remains elusive, leaving the international community grappling with the implications of such a significant and politically charged incident.