Finnish PM-Gas Pipeline Leak Likely Caused By External Action

Wires carrying comments from Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo following the shut down of the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. States that "It is likely that the leak is caused by external action." Says that the gov't "...Has been closely moniroting this situation from the beginning and we have informed our partners."

• Orpo: The "investigation is at an early stage...Finland's energy supply situation is stable, although the incident is worrying."
• The prime minister's comments echo those from President Sauli Niinisto, who a short time ago also claimedthat 'external activity' is the likely cause of the leak. As well as the gas pipeline, a telecommunications cable was also damaged.
• Potential attacks on energy pipelines by Russia remain a major concern for European capitals. Niinisto has stated that NATO is willing to help with an investigation into the circumstances around the leak.
• The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022 caused significant international uproar, with the blame laid at the feet of Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the United Kingdom by various actors. With winter approaching, the risk to European energy security remains high amid Russian efforts to distract capitals from bolstering their support for Ukraine.