Russia likely damaged the gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia

On Tuesday, October 10, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö made a statement about the damage to the gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia.

Yle reported on this.

According to the journalists, the damage to the pipeline “does not look like an accident”.

In a President’s office statement, Niinistö stressed that an investigation into the cause of the damage started on Sunday and is being taken seriously.

The President’s office also stated that it is likely that the damage to the gas pipeline, as well as an adjacent data cable, was the result of “external activity”.

Finnish officials noted that the cause of the damage remained unclear and that Finland was continuing its joint investigation of the matter with Estonian authorities.

The Presidential Office stated that Finland is in constant contact with its allies and partners.

“I had a conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today. NATO is ready to assist in the investigations,” the Finnish President stated.

The Iltalehti (IL) tabloid, citing a foreign policy and security source, reports that the Finnish government and defense forces suspect Russia of attacking the pipeline.

According to Finnish and Estonian seismologists, no seismic activity indicating an explosion has been detected near the pipeline.

Gas transmission system operator Gasgrid Finland and Estonian gas and electricity transmission operator Elering noticed an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector pipeline between the countries shortly before 2a.m. on Sunday.

On Monday, Gasgrid Finland said the only possible reason for the pressure drop in the Balticconnector pipeline is a hole in the pipe, which has only been in use for a few years. It could be out of use for months due to the leak.