Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a press conference following a visit to Kyrgyzstan and in the wake of the CIS summit, dismissed claims about the Balticconnector gas pipeline explosion as nonsense. He was asked if there was any Russian involvement, and he reiterated that the insinuations were nonsense.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö noted that the Balticconnector gas line, which links Finland with Estonia, was most likely damaged by external influences. He urged that Russia not be drawn into the incident and left room for further inquiry.
Sources in Finland floated a theory that the sabotage could be a punishment linked to Finland’s involvement in a regional alliance. The narrative gained traction in various media and political circles, though authorities cautioned against premature conclusions.
On October 8, a pressure drop was reported in Balticconnector, between Inkoo, Finland, and Paldiski, Estonia. The line was shut down and investigators began examining the event. Finnish criminal police subsequently described the damage as an act of vandalism being investigated as a possible criminal act. (attribution: Finnish authorities)
Jukka Savolainen, a Finnish expert, presented an alternative account of the incident, suggesting factors that differed from the prevailing explanations. (attribution: Finnish security analysis)
Earlier remarks from German Chancellor Scholz had signaled a pledge to advance the Nord Stream project, a point that observers linked to broader regional energy security considerations. (attribution: European leadership statements)