Nord Stream leaks raise concerns of 'sabotage'

STORY: Europe has been investigating leaks in two Russian gas pipelines that churned up the Baltic Sea with bubbles on Tuesday (September 27).

Denmark restricted shipping near Nord Stream 2 following the discovery of a leak.

Shortly after, Sweden’s Maritime Authority issued a warning of two leaks in Nord Stream 1.

The pipelines have been flashpoints in the escalating energy war between Europe and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which has sent gas prices soaring.

The mysterious leaks have raised concerns of Russian foul play, which the Danish leader Mette Frederiksen said could not be ruled out.

Poland’s prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, however, seemed convinced it was sabotage – without citing proof:

"Today we faced an act of sabotage. We don't know yet all the details of what happened, but we see clearly that this is an act of sabotage. An act which likely means a further step of escalation of the situation in Ukraine."

Russia, which has slashed gas deliveries to Europe after the West imposed sanctions, said sabotage was a possibility and the incident undermined the continent's energy security.

Denmark's armed forces, who released footage of bubbles boiling in the sea, said the largest gas leak has caused a surface disturbance of well over a kilometer in diameter.

The pipelines were not in operation at the time of the incidents, but still contained gas.

Danish officials said it could take a week for all the gas to drain out.