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Estonian PM: Too soon to comment on damaged gas pipeline developments

On Monday, it was reported that China admitted to a Chinese-flagged cargo vessel's role in damaging the Balticconnector pipeline last year.

Two men in dark suits, white shirts and blue neckties stand at two podiums, speaking to members of the press in the foreground.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal (on left) and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) at a press conference on Wednesday. Image: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva
  • Yle News

Estonia's new Prime Minister, Kristen Michal said on Wednesday that it was too early to comment in detail about new information regarding a subsea gas pipeline that was damaged under mysterious circumstances last autumn.

Earlier this week, it was reported that China had admitted that a Chinese-flagged cargo vessel had damaged the Balticconnector pipeline, which runs between Finland and Estonia.

Michal made the comments in Helsinki at a joint press conference with Finnish PM Petteri Orpo (NCP), on the second day of a two-day visit to Finland — his first visit abroad as prime minister.

Before meeting with the press, Orpo and Michal met at Kesäranta, the Prime Minister's official residence in Helsinki. It was reported that the pair discussed bilateral cooperation, security issues as well as EU matters. Image: Jorma Vihtonen / Yle

At the press briefing, Orpo emphasised that investigations into the Balticconnector case were still ongoing.

The two leaders also underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion, as well as advocating for increased defence spending in the EU.

"It's clear that Russia is a permanent threat. [Russian President] Vladimir Putin only respects strength," Orpo said.

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