S/PV.9986 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary- General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Jenča. Mr. Jenča: Nearly three years have passed since the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022. This incident has increased concerns about the safety and security of critical civilian infrastructure at a time of heightened tensions in the region. It has also sparked speculation over the past years. This briefing, similar to our previous briefings on this topic, is based solely on information that is publicly available and shared by the Member States concerned on the matter. The United Nations does not have any additional details on the events and is not in a position to verify or confirm claims or reports made regarding the incident. To recap the events, between 26 and 29 September 2022, four leaks were reported in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. These pipelines are located in international waters, within the Swedish and Danish exclusive economic zones in the Baltic Sea. The pipelines were not in operation at the time, but they reportedly contained several hundred million cubic metres of natural gas. According to a study coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme, which was published in January, the incident resulted in the planet’s largest human-caused release of methane. Nearly 70 scientists from 30 research organizations participated in the study. They concluded that the plausible range of the Nord Stream leaks was between 445,000 and 485,000 tons, more than twice as much as previously thought. According to the experts, in the short term, the Nord Stream leaks contributed as much to global warming as would have 8 million cars driven for a year. Although the incident represents only a small part of global methane emissions, it is an important reminder of the environmental impact on global warming caused by the destruction of critical infrastructure. After the leaks were reported, the Danish, German and Swedish authorities announced the launch of separate national investigations. The authorities have provided updates to the Security Council on these investigations. Since we last briefed the Council on this topic on 26 April 2024 (see S/PV.9619), further communications have been received. In a letter dated 16 August 2024 addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2024/619), the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation drew attention to media coverage of the Nord Stream incidents and investigation process. On 9 September 2024, a joint letter from the Permanent Representatives of Denmark, Germany and Sweden to the President of the Security Council (S/2024/665) stated that the Office of the Federal Public Prosecutor of Germany continues to conduct criminal investigations into the sabotage against the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. Most recently, a joint letter from the representatives of Denmark, Germany and Sweden to the President of the Security Council (S/2025/530), dated 22 August 2025, transmitted further information and updates regarding the investigation conducted by the German authorities. According to that communication, the Federal Public Prosecutor General of Germany “continues to conduct criminal investigations into the sabotage against the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines” (S/2025/530, annex). It notes that these investigations are conducted impartially, independently and in line with fundamental principles of the rule of law. They are ongoing. The information provided further notes that, as part of this investigation, the Federal Public Prosecutor General of Germany has announced that a Ukrainian national had been arrested in Italy on 21 August 2025, based on a European arrest warrant requested by the German authorities. The United Nations is not in a position to comment on the ongoing investigations or legal proceedings. As we stated in our previous briefings on this topic, any intentional damage to critical civilian infrastructure is of serious concern. Such incidents should be condemned and investigated. The protection of civilian infrastructure and the security of international waters are critical for regional commerce, security and stability. We continue to encourage Member States to further cooperate on these matters and to share information with each other. In the current volatile security environment, we also urge that findings or developments related to ongoing investigation efforts not be politicized or speculated upon. Instead, cooperation, trust and dialogue among all concerned is of the utmost importance.

I thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

We would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. Unfortunately, he did not properly update us. He did not mention the fact that today we circulated our letter (S/2025/534) regarding the assessments in the letter from the representatives of Denmark, Germany and Sweden (S/2025/530), which he did mention, and issues arising from the German investigation. To get the full picture, I think it is important to also take that into account. One month from now, on 26 September, it will have been three years since two branches of the Nord Stream gas pipeline were blown up in international waters in the Baltic Sea, in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark and Sweden. From day one, it was clear-cut for the entire international community that this was an act of unprecedented, deliberate destruction of a cross-border underwater civilian infrastructure facility, which directly threatened the environment of the region and jeopardized navigation in the Baltic Sea. This irresponsible act drew the attention of the entire world — States, the media and civil society. Given that the terrorist attack seriously affected the interests of a whole host of States, there was no doubt that we needed to conduct a meticulous investigation into what happened, identify those responsible and prevent the recurrence of similar crimes. In this context, we and a number of other colleagues had every right to expect that Germany, Denmark and Sweden, which had launched their own national In parallel, we grew increasingly convinced that a meticulous investigation was not part of their plan, since allies of the three States in the Western camp, including those in the Council, repeated the same mantras, alleging that they fully trusted in the investigations being conducted by Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm, which, in their words, were “effective”. I wonder how they could assess the effectiveness of the investigations, given that all we found out about the investigations suggested the contrary. Meanwhile, they hysterically criticized initiatives put forward by Russia and many other countries, including Security Council members, to conduct an international investigation under the auspices of the United Nations, which — and this is our firm conviction — would only complement and coordinate national efforts rather than undermine them in any way. As a result, precious time was lost, and the work of the Danish and Swedish investigators ended exactly as we predicted. It took them almost 18 months to glean a single insight — and I am not exaggerating — that the Nord Stream gas pipelines were indeed blown up, but they could not determine how it was done or by whom. It is as if, after 18 months of investigating a murder, the investigators had arrived at a single conclusion: that the victim had been killed. It sounds laughable, but despite the absurdity of the situation, all our Western colleagues continue to commend the work done by Stockholm and Copenhagen. The German investigative authorities formally continued their work, but they seem to have been clearly instructed to drag out the process by hook or by crook. After all, as soon as their work is complete, the Western camp will hardly be able to argue convincingly against an international investigation. Consequently, it took almost three years for Berlin to announce a new development in the case. As Mr. Jenča mentioned, according to a press release by the German Federal Prosecutor General’s Office, in the early hours of 21 August, a Ukrainian national Sergey K. was detained in the Italian province of Rimini pursuant to a European arrest warrant issued by the German Federal Court. He is accused of being a member of a group which supposedly carried out the explosions of the gas pipelines. In essence, that is where all the novelty and specificities end. Yet the official statement by the Berlin authorities was immediately picked up on and widely disseminated by various German and international media outlets. Der Spiegel continued to promote a version with Ukrainians involved in the terrorist attack, presenting the story as an incontrovertible fact. Citing the arrest warrant in their possession, ARD television channel, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung and Die Zeit newspapers named the detained leader of the so-called “sabotage group” which planted time-delayed explosive devices under the two branches of the gas pipeline in September 2022. The aforementioned Sergey K. presumably steered the notorious Andromeda sailing yacht with the purported terrorists aboard but did not actually dive himself. If we are to believe the German press, as we have no other sources, on 22 September this man disembarked from the vessel and safely left for Ukraine. The Given the above, any impartial expert would come to a single conclusion: by providing these revelations, the German authorities would have us believe the same version of events that the Western media started to actively disseminate just over two years ago. According to this version, the attack on Nord Stream was carried out by an autonomous group of Ukrainian amateur divers traveling on the Andromeda sailing yacht. There are varying opinions whether these yachtsmen acted independently or on the orders of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, who allegedly disobeyed an order from his direct superior, Vladimir Zelenskyy. In other words, not a single State or a single leader is to blame for the terrorist attack. Our country has repeatedly pointed out in the Security Council the utter inconsistency and implausibility of these fabrications. Experts who briefed us during previous meetings on the terrorist attack on Nord Stream also shared similar assessments. They claimed that it would be simply impossible for amateurs to execute such a large-scale and complex operation without State support or State cover as there are only a small number of States that have the necessary military and technical capabilities to carry this out. Council members can judge for themselves: we are being asked to believe that a group of semi-professional divers managed to arrive unnoticed in the area of Bornholm Island, descended to a depth of 70 to 80 meters to install, in murky waters, explosive devices under two branches of a gas pipeline, which was protected from environmental and human-made disasters using cutting-edge technologies — all in the middle of the Baltic Sea, in an area of busy shipping traffic and significant military presence, including NATO vessels. It seems like the plot of a spy thriller. However preposterous it may be, this version does have a huge advantage in the eyes of those in the West who applauded the explosion of the pipelines and were proud of being linked to those who carried it out. It shifts the focus of public attention away from them and places the spotlight squarely on scapegoats who — even if involved — did not act alone. The German investigators appear to have nothing more to say. What is also telling is that this version of events began to be disseminated in the West about two and a half years ago, immediately after the famous United States journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, Seymour Hersh, published his investigation, whereby he presented a great deal of evidence and much rationale that attested to the direct involvement of the Administration of former United States President Joe Biden in the organization and execution of the crime. Precisely at that time, the Russian Federation and a number of other States, including some of our Security Council colleagues, unequivocally called for the need to conduct an international investigation into what had happened in the Baltic Sea. We shared with the Council on many occasions our observations that promoting such a narrative seemed like a coordinated media campaign. This was evidenced also by the leaks that there were certain arrangements between the Administrations of Joe Biden and former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to which the United States and German secret services had to come up with an alternative version of events which would distract the international community’s attention from the abundant evidence pointing to the former United States authorities and their NATO allies. What almost all experts who are following this issue agree today is that the competent German authorities clearly do have much more information about what happened than what they are selectively providing to the media. Without a doubt, they also have information about those who really commissioned and organized the crime. However, they are unwilling or unable to disclose it, given the obvious reputational costs for both NATO and the former United States Administration. There are entirely objective reasons why we have no faith in Berlin’s findings. The Security Council members are well aware that Germany, Denmark and Sweden refused all the proposals from the Russian Federation, as the State directly affected by the terrorist attack, to cooperate in establishing the circumstances of the incident. For no good reason, these countries rejected any proposals from the competent authorities of our country to provide legal assistance and turned down all our requests to establish joint investigative teams. In essence, we were simply cut off from the investigation. On top of that, Germany continues to flagrantly violate its other international obligations, in particular those arising from the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. At the end of the day, three years after the terrorist attack in the Baltic Sea, we have the following. The two key States in the exclusive economic zones in which the crime took place have concluded their investigations with zero results. The third State is throwing its weight behind a version according to which this major incident, which involved an attack on cross-border energy infrastructure, which, incidentally, provided the European population with energy resources at favourable prices, was basically nothing but a technical crime committed by a group of non-professionals, who presumably were driven solely by personal motives. At the same time, the fundamentally important question of who actually commissioned and covered for the perpetrators of this terrorist act is something that is being deliberately ignored. We believe that if the Danish, German and Swedish investigators acted likewise while investigating any other issue of critical importance to Western elites, the public, including in Europe itself, would accuse them of being unprofessional, and they would be right to do so. Yet what we see at the Security Council is exactly the opposite: a surreal picture in which our Western colleagues are praising the investigation as effective, having in mind the sole purpose of muddying the waters and not letting the truth come out. Such an approach by Western delegations is not just yet another example of their double standards. That would not surprise us. It is much worse. Owing to their reluctance to conduct an international investigation and their insistence on a version involving amateur divers, the Council is continuing to waste time and is unable to take any action to combat the real threat to international peace and security posed by such destructive actions against cross-border underwater energy infrastructure. Just think about what an encouraging signal the Council is sending to terrorist organizations by doing nothing. Not only have such organizations received ready-made instructions on how to organize such an attack, but they also see that there will be no response from the international community, nor will there be any accountability for those who ordered it. If the Council fails to make progress on the Nord Stream issue, we cannot rule out a recurrence of such incidents in other regions of the world, and responsibility for this will fall squarely on all Council members. We urge all sensible Council members to think about this, and we urge the German authorities not to try to hide the truth behind a veil of secrecy, but to demonstrate a willingness to engage in genuine cooperation and provide all the information in their possession. We also expect the German delegation to participate in Council meetings on this topic, rather than dismissing them under pro forma excuses, and we would like Germany to tell us how the investigation is proceeding. If there are some confidentiality issues, we can hold discussions behind closed doors. The main thing is for the Council to have the

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. The United States recognizes the seriousness of the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. We reiterate our concern regarding that event, which we have expressed numerous times. We again reject efforts to politicize this issue, to prejudge the outcome of the ongoing judicial process and to use the Nord Stream sabotage as a basis for levelling hyperbolic accusations and escalatory rhetoric. Let us not focus the time and attention of the Council on an incident that took place nearly three years ago, but rather on ending the war in Ukraine. There is no benefit in repeating our many discussions on this issue. The United States expresses full confidence in the independent judicial process in Germany. The arrest of a suspect is a step in that process, which is still ongoing. It is not a development that requires the Council’s attention. President Trump is focused on one goal: bringing about a negotiated and durable peace in Ukraine to end the human suffering. We call on Russia to focus on that goal as well.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, for his valuable briefing. Almost three years have passed since the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which link Russia and Germany through the Baltic Sea, were targeted. During this period, national investigations carried out by the competent authorities in Sweden and Denmark concluded that the explosions that targeted those pipelines and the resulting damages were the result of deliberate sabotage. Furthermore, on 21 August, the Federal Public Prosecutor General of Germany announced that a Ukrainian citizen had been arrested, as part of the national investigations into those attacks. In the light of those developments, I would like to underscore the following points. First, the deliberate attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines continues to be a cause of grave concern for Algeria. The destruction of critical energy infrastructure is unacceptable under any circumstances. For Algeria, which is connected to Europe by three gas pipelines, the security of critical energy infrastructure is essential. Such attacks could have grave repercussions that pose a threat to international peace and security. Secondly, Algeria has taken note of the information provided by Sweden, Denmark and Germany to the Security Council on the latest findings regarding those attacks (S/2025/530). In this regard, Algeria commends the competent German authorities for their tireless efforts in the ongoing investigations and expresses its full support for this endeavour, which aims to shed light on those attacks. It is necessary to fully establish the facts surrounding these events and to hold the perpetrators and those who might be supporting them accountable. It is therefore crucial to strengthen regional and international cooperation in order to guarantee the needed prevention and protection against attacks on cross- border critical infrastructure, enhance the preparedness of countries to address any resulting damage and strengthen their ability to carry out the necessary investigations effectively.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. The Security Council bears the solemn responsibility for addressing all dimensions of threats to international peace and security, including those arising from the deliberate destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines represents such a case and is unequivocally contrary to international law. Sierra Leone therefore reiterates its call for the protection of civilian infrastructure in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law. We recall, in this regard, resolution 2573 (2021), which condemns the destruction of civilian infrastructure indispensable for the survival of the civilian population, and resolution 2341 (2017), which highlights the need to protect critical infrastructure from sabotage and terrorist acts. Nearly three years after the Nord Stream explosions, an independent and conclusive determination has not been reached. We note that the investigations conducted by Denmark and Sweden established that the incident was an act of deliberate sabotage, though without identifying the perpetrators. More recently, there has been a significant breakthrough as German authorities, in cooperation with other States, have arrested a suspect in connection with the attacks. This marks the first arrest of its kind in this case, and we commend the efforts of the national authorities concerned. Sierra Leone supports the timely completion of the ongoing investigations in Germany and elsewhere. These processes must remain independent, impartial and transparent. Establishing the full facts through credible and verifiable inquiry will help dispel allegations and provide a firm basis for accountability. We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and be supportive of the investigations. In line with its mandate under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council must see to addressing this matter comprehensively, considering its legal, security and environmental dimensions. The Council has rightly encouraged and supported national investigations, and we believe that it may opt to continue to remain seized of the matter in order to ensure that international peace and security are safeguarded. As facts emerge, accountability and due process must remain paramount. Any response to such acts should be firmly anchored in established legal procedures, ensuring respect for the rights of suspects and the integrity of judicial processes. Those responsible, once identified, must be held fully accountable through fair and impartial proceedings. The rule of law must prevail at every stage, from investigation to prosecution, so that justice is not only done, but is seen to be done in these circumstances. In closing, Sierra Leone reaffirms its unwavering respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States and underscores the imperative of protecting civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, from harm. We commend the cooperation At the same time, the Security Council must remain united and proactive. The Council was established to respond to threats to international peace and security, and we must live up to that mandate by ensuring that incidents such as the Nord Stream sabotage are fully investigated. Transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law are among our strongest tools for addressing grievances and sustaining international peace, and it is essential that we uphold these principles even as we navigate complex geopolitical realities.

At the outset, we would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. Almost three years have passed since the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. This act of deliberate sabotage disrupted energy supplies, heightened tensions and underscored the vulnerability of critical transnational infrastructure. My delegation condemns the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, which is a clear violation of international law. The targeting of pipelines undermines the principles of international law and endangers the well-being of millions. Such incidents set a dangerous precedent, risk further escalation and erode trust and cooperation among States. We remain concerned about the security of such assets and the broader implications for stability in Europe. The Security Council must remain vigilant against any threats to global peace and security arising from acts of sabotage against civilian infrastructure. We note the recent development shared by the German authorities regarding their investigation and acknowledge the efforts of Denmark and Sweden in their respective inquiries. In this regard, we welcome the news that an arrest was made on the basis of a warrant issued, which demonstrates a clear commitment to pursuing accountability and transparency. We commend the efforts demonstrated by the investigating authorities. It is essential that these investigations proceed in accordance with national and international law and that any individual found responsible is held accountable under the law, regardless of nationality or affiliation. In conclusion, Somalia reaffirms its commitment to the principles of international law, the protection of civilian infrastructure and the rule of law. We call for the timely conclusion of the national investigations. We also urge enhanced regional and international cooperation and information-sharing among all relevant parties. This is essential to prevent any escalation of tensions and to uphold the principles upon which our multilateral system is built.

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his briefing. The protection of critical undersea infrastructure is essential, as our reliance on it continues to grow. For many people, underwater pipelines and electricity connectors represent a vital lifeline. Moreover, submarine cables form the backbone of the global economy as the main communication line, carrying 99 per cent of the world’s data traffic. With this in mind, Slovenia reaffirms its condemnation of the act of sabotage directed against the Nord Stream pipelines almost three years ago. We are particularly concerned about the severe environmental impact of the incident, which is believed to have caused the single largest discharge of methane ever recorded. It is, of course, crucial for this infrastructure to be protected against deliberate and accidental Slovenia is ready to support action within the framework of the United Nations related to the security of underwater infrastructure. We are ready to support any meaningful initiatives that uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability, foster transparency and support ongoing investigations. Slovenia notes that two national investigations into the act of sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines have concluded and were conducted in line with the fundamental principles of the rule of law. We further note that the investigative efforts of the German authorities are progressing, as we saw the reports that an arrest was made in relation to the case only recently. We recognize that arrests do not equate to convictions and that the investigation is ongoing. Slovenia commends the German authorities for their commitment to conducting a comprehensive and impartial investigation of the incident and fully supports their efforts.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for the informative briefing. We are in an era of unprecedented armed conflict, in which both State and non-State actors are employing a range of traditional and new tools to achieve their war aims. Among the tools of war we are witnessing being employed is the targeting of critical energy infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines and electricity grids. Nearly three years have elapsed since the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines. There has long been a consensus that this incident was an act of sabotage that demands full accountability. Guyana condemns all deliberate attacks against critical civilian and energy infrastructure. The targeting and destruction of such infrastructure impact not only the countries in which they are situated, but can have vast, far-reaching economic and environmental consequences. We acknowledge the national investigations launched by Denmark, Sweden and Germany to establish the facts of the incident and possibly find those responsible for its planning and execution. We also note that the investigation launched by Germany is still ongoing and have taken note of the announcement on 21 August by the Office of the Federal Prosecutor of Germany that a Ukrainian national has been arrested in connection with the Nord Stream attacks. We are hopeful that this development will accelerate the path towards accountability. We look forward to receiving further updates as the investigation advances. Guyana further reiterates its support for a thorough and conclusive investigation and calls on the international community to extend any appropriate support that could bring the ongoing investigation to a swift end. We emphasize that intentional destruction of critical civilian infrastructure should consistently be met with clear condemnation and consequences for those responsible.

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. We return to this Chamber once again to discuss the Nord Stream incident. While the matter remains under active national criminal investigation, the Republic of Korea would like to reiterate its principled position on this issue. First, my delegation continues to be resolutely opposed to all attacks or any form of sabotage, anywhere, targeting critical infrastructure that may result in Secondly, the Republic of Korea also reaffirms its strong trust in the ongoing national criminal investigation led by the German federal prosecution authority into the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The investigation is being conducted with the utmost seriousness, independence and impartiality, in full compliance with the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers. Recent developments, including the arrest of a suspect in Italy, clearly demonstrates significant and substantive progress in uncovering the facts. In the light of this, we emphasize the need to respect and patiently await the conclusions of the German investigation. As such, the Security Council must refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could politicize or undermine the ongoing investigation. It is crucial that the Council not become a forum for interference or premature judgments that could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of judicial processes. Indeed, the steady advancement of the investigation affirms that there is no need for direct Security Council intervention at this time. The Republic of Korea therefore calls upon all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency, respect for due process and non-politicization, and to continue cooperative engagement with the relevant investigative authorities. Three and a half years of war in Ukraine have clearly shown how essential the protection of critical infrastructure is to international peace and stability. In this regard, we trust that through the diligent and independent work of national authorities, the truth will emerge and accountability will be achieved.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and continues to support efforts to uncover the truth about what happened. We note recent developments in the German prosecutor’s investigation, including reports of an arrest in Italy linked to the incident. These developments reinforce the importance of allowing national authorities to continue to carry out their work independently and thoroughly, in line with the rule of law and international standards. It is essential that the Security Council respect the integrity of these investigations. Attempts to politicize the process or draw premature conclusions risk undermining the credibility of the legal proceedings. We welcome the continued engagement of Germany, Sweden and Denmark and commend their commitment to transparency and impartiality. The Council should focus on supporting these efforts rather than diverting attention from them. We also find it necessary to highlight the contradiction in Russia’s approach. While Russia calls for accountability over some attacks on infrastructure, it continues to intensify its deliberate targeting of critical and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. In 2025, Russia has fired an average of 4,000 drones at Ukrainian cities each month — more than four times the monthly average in 2024. These strikes have caused widespread blackouts and severe damage to civilian infrastructure. If Russia is genuinely concerned about the protection of such infrastructure, it should demonstrate that by ending its unlawful aggression against Ukraine. Russia is once again requesting a meeting on Nord Stream, even though there is no justification for doing so. These meetings only serve to illustrate Russia’s desire to divert the attention and resources of the Security Council and those of the international community. Our assessment of the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in September 2022 remains unchanged. Those incidents were grave and are being taken seriously by the relevant authorities. Investigations have been carried out by Germany, Denmark and Sweden. We have never had any reason to doubt the seriousness of these processes. We recall, as we did last October (see S/PV.9741) and at previous meetings, that the German, Swedish and Danish judicial authorities are independent. Their investigations comply with the fundamental principles of the rule of law. They cannot be accused of lacking transparency: Sweden, Denmark and Germany have kept the Council informed through numerous letters since 2022. After conducting in-depth and complex investigations, including a comprehensive examination of the explosion site, the Swedish and Danish prosecutors closed their respective investigations in February 2024. The German judicial authorities, in whom we have full confidence, are continuing their investigation. We have taken note of the announcements of the arrest of an individual in connection with this investigation. It is imperative that the judicial process be carried out to its conclusion, without political interference and without prejudging the outcome. By multiplying initiatives on this matter in the Security Council, Russia is seeking to put pressure on the German investigators. This attempt to interfere in a national judicial process is unacceptable. Finally, I would point out the contradiction between the concern expressed by Russia over the alleged damage to European critical infrastructure and its continued systematic and deliberate attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. France reiterates its condemnation of the Russian strikes, the most massive in a month, which in particular hit western Ukraine during the nights of 20 to 21 August. Despite the efforts of the international community to achieve a just and lasting peace, and despite Ukraine’s showing its genuine willingness to negotiate, Russia continues to seek to divert our attention. Its sole aim is to pursue its aggression by betting on our fatigue.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. The deliberate sabotage in September 2022 of Nord Stream offshore natural gas pipelines in international waters was an alarming and reprehensible act. Pakistan is seriously concerned about premeditated and deliberate attacks against critical energy and civilian infrastructure of other States, including attacks carried out by terrorist entities. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, the deliberate targeting of transnational infrastructure — whether energy pipelines, telecommunication cables or data networks — is an illegal act that constitutes a threat to global stability and hinders the smooth functioning of global markets. An attack on these facilities and critical infrastructure undermines the commercial operation of such entities and creates a dangerous precedent that must be effectively addressed. To this end, I would like to make the following points. Secondly, accountability for all such incidents and deliberate attacks must be ensured by bringing the perpetrators to justice. In this context, we have taken note of the progress made by the relevant German authorities, including the arrest of one suspect. We also note that Germany’s national investigations are still ongoing. Thirdly, we recognize the complexities and legal intricacies involved in the criminal investigations of this incident. We hope that the inquiries and investigations, once concluded to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, will help establish the facts, address the legitimate concerns of all those affected by it and reinforce the crucial norm that such attacks will be met with proper scrutiny and accountability in a transparent, objective and legally sound manner. Needless to add, cooperation among the parties concerned is essential for a credible investigation and follow-up. In conclusion, my delegation once again reiterates its call for identifying and holding those responsible for this attack to account in order to prevent such attacks in future.

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. Greece firmly condemns all attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure, including the acts of sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines that took place almost three years ago. These attacks not only jeopardize energy security in Europe but also cause serious environmental harm. Accountability is essential. In view of the above, I would like to make three brief points. First, we note that the investigation process into the Nord Stream attacks is still ongoing in Germany and stress the need for the conclusion of the process under complete confidentiality and without external interference. We welcome the latest communication by Denmark, Germany and Sweden on recent developments, and we express our full support for Germany’s continuing efforts to conduct the necessary investigations into this important matter in line with national and international law. We also thank Denmark and Sweden for having concluded their respective investigations. Secondly, as we have repeatedly stated in the Chamber, the Security Council is not the appropriate forum for discussing the domestic legal or judicial processes of a sovereign State. These are ongoing, confidential criminal investigations, and the independence of the judiciary in Germany — as in any other country — cannot and should not be undermined or subjected to political pressure. Thirdly, when discussing energy infrastructure, it is important to stress that the massive attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian targets must cease immediately and that Russia must fully comply with international humanitarian law.

I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his briefing. The explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines constitute a serious incident of sabotage against transnational energy infrastructure, with negative impacts on global energy supplies, the marine environment and the safety and security of maritime navigation. Since the explosions, the Council has deliberated on this matter several times. Many Council members, including China, have repeatedly called for objective, impartial and professional investigations to promptly establish facts and However, three years have elapsed, and we are still awaiting definitive conclusions and the complete truth surrounding the explosions. Sweden and Denmark have already announced the termination of the national investigations, without sharing any substantive information. While the German investigations are still ongoing, only very limited information has been officially made public. For a long time, the public could rely only on media exposés to obtain information and speculate on what happened. This is anything but normal. China has taken note of reports about the recent arrest of a suspect, as well as the joint letter in that regard addressed to the Council from Germany, Sweden and Denmark (S/2025/530). However, this does not suffice as a response to the doubts and concerns of the international community. We expect Germany to expedite its investigations and judicial proceedings and to promptly publish the progress and results via official channels. We hope that the relevant countries will communicate and cooperate with the main parties to the incident of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. We hope that the Council will remain seized of the matter. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that truth should not be swept under the rug, investigations should not be politicized, similar incidents should not be allowed to recur, and perpetrators should not walk free, unpunished by law. The international community rightfully demands a truthful answer on the explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines.

I extend my appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. Allow me to focus on a number of points. We have full confidence in the ability of German authorities to conduct their investigation. It is important that we let this investigation run its course. We see no reason to question the impartiality, thoroughness or scope of the German investigation. Recent developments only lend further weight to its credibility. Time and time again, we have heard the Russian Federation state that this investigation is going nowhere, which is clearly not the case. If we are genuinely committed to uncovering the truth, the right course of action is to support the ongoing process — as Denmark has been — by cooperating with German authorities, as we would in any other investigation, and by sharing relevant information in line with the principles of mutual international legal assistance. Let me recall that the explosions on pipelines connecting Russia and Germany took place in international waters. However, since one of the explosions took place within the Danish exclusive economic zone, our independent authorities conducted an investigation into the incident. During the investigations, the Danish authorities collaborated closely with international partners. Based on their findings, they concluded that the pipelines had been deliberately sabotaged while at the same time assessing that there were not sufficient grounds to pursue a criminal case in Denmark. This reflects the standard and proper way for such cases to be handled among partners, and the investigation was conducted in line with fundamental rule of law principles. Denmark has fully cooperated with the Security Council. From September 2022 until today, Denmark, alongside Germany and Sweden, has kept the Council consistently informed about the investigation process through seven joint letters. To assert otherwise is not only inaccurate, but an unacceptable misrepresentation of the facts. Denmark further notes that one Council member today has called for an international investigation into the Nord Stream sabotage. While we recognize that such investigations may in certain circumstances be a valuable tool, they should only be considered by the Council in exceptional cases. This could be warranted in situations where the national investigations are somehow lacking. However, we do not see any substantiation for this in the case at hand. Quite on the contrary, we seem to be meeting today precisely because we have progress in an ongoing national criminal investigation. It would not be appropriate nor helpful for the Council to prejudice the outcome of Germany’s ongoing national investigation, which remains robust, independent and yet to be concluded. Frankly, we are puzzled as to why we are today spending the Council’s valuable time and resources discussing the issue of a national criminal investigation prior to its conclusion. Since the Nord Stream explosions occurred in international waters, any State, including the Russian Federation, is entitled to conduct its own investigation in full compliance with international law. Denmark never prevented the Russian Federation from exercising those rights. On the contrary, Denmark has provided updates to the Russian authorities throughout the process. No one is placing obstacles to the conduct of a Russian investigation. Indeed, the operators of the pipelines, the two Nord Stream companies, of which Russia is a major shareholder, have already conducted such investigations. Finally, to conclude, it is difficult not to address Russia’s glaring hypocrisy in calling for this briefing. The Council has held numerous meetings on Nord Stream, despite the fact that serious investigations are clearly still ongoing. Moreover, Russia repeatedly demands the Council’s attention on the incidents relating to the Nord Stream pipelines while at the same time systematically attacking and decimating Ukraine’s critical infrastructure militarily. Russia’s actions in Ukraine, in clear violation of international humanitarian law, continue to have a devastating impact on millions of Ukrainians every day. And it, frankly, makes the great concern expressed by Russia on infrastructure today sound rather hollow. Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine is, in fact, the real issue of urgency for the Council. That is the real threat to international peace and stability.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Panama. We would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his detailed briefing pertaining to the incidents that occurred on the Nord Stream gas pipeline in September 2022 and the consequences resulting from that. Panama, a country traditionally focused on maritime services, recognizes the importance of global interconnectivity and its impact on the economy and social development. That is why we are concerned about the new risks and threats to any critical infrastructure, whether in the maritime domain or elsewhere, that undermines global economic stability. We would like to stress the importance of these invisible arteries that connect millions of people in different continents, which allow for the constant flow of energy services and provide information that guarantees the stability of financial systems and trade systems throughout the world. The destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline represents one of the greatest climate disasters caused by humankind. It exacerbates the global climate crisis, and it has led to significant environmental damage in the Baltic Sea, as it reactivated toxic sediments and undermined the survival of vulnerable marine species, as we heard in the briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Jenča. As a result of all of the above, we support the investigations that are ongoing, carried out by the relevant authorities, aimed at shedding light on what happened in the incident with the pipeline. These investigations must be carried out in an impartial manner and must lead to convincing results. We reiterate that international law and accountability are critical for justice and peaceful coexistence between nations, and they must prevail in this and any other similar case that undermines international security. The circumstances that have deteriorated regional stability and seriously affected dialogue and trust in Europe have rekindled internal divisions about Europe’s energy policy. It is true that restoring political and diplomatic processes that lead to the re-establishment of security and mutual trust and guaranteeing transparent mechanisms that prevent acts such as the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline require time and shared will. However, Panama reiterates that the legitimate demand for clear accountability for acts that undermine energy and environmental security cannot be fully satisfied without proper investigations and fair and transparent legal processes. Therefore, given the need for answers and patience to rebuild a delicate balance that must deliver hope for a peaceful future, it is critical that this be based on common will to move forward with determination towards peace. I resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

As I spoke first, if I may, I would like to briefly comment on some of the remarks we heard in the Chamber today. First and foremost, in response to my Danish colleague, I would like to underscore his words regarding the assertion that Denmark has substantively cooperated with the Russian Federation on investigations. I would like to back them up with concrete facts. The Federal Security Service sent at least five requests for mutual legal assistance to Denmark and was told each time that the provision of such information would pose a threat to the Danish State. The only substance it referred to was the substance of a letter dated 27 June 2023. That letter referred to the fact that Denmark has lifted a cylindrical object out of the Baltic Sea. We requested to look at that object. Our request was ignored. That is all the substance we have. If that is what he was referring to when he referred to substantive assistance, it comes as no surprise that the Danish investigation concluded what it did. He mentioned this terrorist act, the destruction of international undersea infrastructure. It would appear that he considers the Security Council’s discussion of this a waste of time. We have completely different standards. We are not playing Legos here, we are discussing important issues. We were surprised to see today that some Western representatives, whether knowingly or unknowingly, linked the terrorist attack against the Nord Stream pipeline to the Ukrain­ ian crisis, even though we are talking about the destruction of cross-border underwater infrastructure. And this situation is covered by very specific international documents. Separating terrorists into good guys and bad guys is a short-sighted and dangerous line to pursue. This two-faced approach is actually undermining international efforts to combat terrorism. After all, the Nord Stream pipeline explosion, as I said earlier, is covered by very specific international conventions, under which all these Western countries have very specific binding international obligations. The use of such double standards only reinforces our conclusion that our Western colleagues are in no way interested in a results-oriented and objective investigation into the terrorist act conducted in the Baltic Sea and only further convinces us that beginning an international investigation as swiftly as possible is the right line to pursue.

The representative of Denmark has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I asked for the floor to respond to the comments made by the representative of the Russian Federation. Denmark is very concerned about attacks against critical infrastructure. We do take the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline seriously and, together with Germany and Sweden, we have kept the Security Council fully informed throughout the investigation process. I elaborated on how we have done that in my statement. After a complex and comprehensive investigation, the Danish authorities finally concluded that the explosion on, and damage to, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which occurred outside of Danish territorial water on 26 September 2022, were caused by deliberate sabotage. It is the assessment of the Danish authorities, based on the in­ vestigation conducted, that there are not sufficient grounds, unfortunately, to pursue a criminal case in Denmark. Owing to the investigation’s relation to matters of national security, certain aspects of the inquiry cannot be disclosed. This is perfectly natural and a fully applicable reason in all relevant legal frameworks of mutual legal assistance. Denmark has conducted what investigation we could within the framework of our national criminal justice system and, when that was no longer possible, cooperated with the German authorities, in keeping with our long tradition. As we said in our statement, we note that there is an ongoing, robust and credible criminal investigation being under­ taken in Germany, and we have full confidence that it is being conducted in an impartial and comprehensive manner in line with all relevant rules and procedures. It is important that we let the investigation run its course. Denmark has enjoyed close cooperation with relevant foreign authorities, especially concerning the technical aspects of the investigation. The Russian authorities have been continually informed of the progress of our investigation. And let me reiterate that since the explosions occurred outside of territorial waters, any actor may access the site and conduct their own investigation. This message has repeatedly been conveyed to Russia. No one is placing any obstacles to a Russian investigation. The operators of the pipeline, the two Nord Stream companies, which are owned by the Russian State-owned company Gazprom, have already conducted such investigations.