'Sabotage' behind 2022 Nord Stream blasts, Denmark says at close of probe

Danish police said Monday that they were closing their investigation into the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia and Germany, a move dubbed "close to absurd" by the Kremlin.

 "Based on the investigation, the authorities can conclude that the sabotage of the pipelines was intentional," Copenhagen police said in a statement.

"At the same time, it is also assessed that there is not the necessary basis for pursuing a criminal case in Denmark," it said.

Different theories about who is responsible for the sabotage have emerged -- pointing the finger at Ukraine, Russia or the United States. All have denied involvement.