You can’t easily point the finger at Russia, but that doesn’t mean that Russia isn’t involved in the gas pipeline breach, says professor and docent Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen.
14:30•Updated 14:53
Although China admitted this week, according to media reports that the Chinese-owned cargo ship Newnew Polar Bear damaged the Balticconnector gas pipeline last October, it does not mean that Russia is not involved in the events.
This is what the professor and docent say Veli-Pekka Tynkkynenwho studies Russia’s environmental, energy and natural resource policy at the University of Helsinki’s Alexander Institute and the National Defense University.
– Without a doubt, this is connected to Russia. The ship had Russian crewand it was going to a Russian port. The case is fully in accordance with the Russian playbook.
Even though the ship is Chinese-owned, according to Tynkkynen, the gas pipe damage must be seen in the broader context of Russia.
For him, the gas pipeline breach has many characteristics characteristic of Russia: the country has been suspected of sabotaging critical infrastructure in Europe, and it has thus created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
According to Tynkkynen, it is also useful for Russia that the ship is owned by the Chinese and you cannot easily point the finger directly at Russia.
– It creates uncertainty, which makes it difficult for a rule of law like Finland to respond legally to a broken gas pipeline. This in turn increases fear.
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According to Tynkkynen, China’s concession can be seen as a gesture of relaxation, but on the other hand, it can also be seen as a game move. He reminds that bringing the matter to light was a political decision.
– China may look like it made a “nice gesture” by admitting the damage. If the gas pipeline investigation is continued from now on, China can complain that people in Europe are Russophobic and hostile to China again, Tynkkynen says.
For him, the situation can also be a test for Finland, Estonia and the European Union. Will the investigation be continued or will the issue be pressed with China’s own report?
At least on Monday, the communications manager of the Estonian judiciary Kairi Küngas stated For the South China Morning Postthat the Chinese report “can not under any circumstances be used as evidence in Estonian criminal investigations”, because China has not invited Estonian criminal investigators to carry out investigations.
Finland’s KRP also stated that the investigation is still ongoing.
According to Tynkkynen, Finland can also consider other countermeasures. If, for example, damages were presented for a broken pipe, it would be a diplomatic gesture towards both China and Russia.