The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have probably ceased operation after the recent sabotage. The incident has already caused significant changes in the German and EU gas market.
The German security services admitted that all strings of Russia's Nord Stream pipelines were unusable and would be shut down permanently. They also noted that the pipelines could not be repaired promptly. Moreover, large volumes of salt water have been flowing into the pipes for a long time and causing corrosion. German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated that the current situation was complicated and its consequences were catastrophic. "The federal government is working hard on a common solution that should protect consumers and companies from [high] gas prices, stabilize the gas market and ensure the reliability of supplies to Germany," the official said.
According to the German security service and the Federal Intelligence Service, damage to both Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were an act of sabotage. Currently, experts are examining satellite images and determining the movement of ships in the run-up to the explosions. German authorities speculate that divers may have put the explosive in two pipes of Nord Stream 1 and one of the two pipes of Nord Stream 2. Germany intends to cooperate with Danish and Swedish authorities to conduct the investigation of the incident. However, it is extremely difficult to inspect the damaged pipes at a depth of 70-80 meters.
