Poland reports leak in Druzhba crude pipeline between Russia and Germany

Fire brigade and police arrived at the site of the Druzhba pipeline leak near Zurawice, Poland, on Wednesday. Photography: Roman Zawistowski/EPA-EFE

“This pipeline is used to deliver crude oil to Germany,” the pipeline operator said. “Currently, the cause of the incident is unknown.”

PRN said its crews were able to secure the area shortly after the accident. The pipeline operator did not provide details on the amount of oil released from the system, but stressed that the rest of the infrastructure was working normally. End users in Germany had no apparent problems.

Druzhba, which means “friendship” in Russian, entered service in the mid-1960s.

The incident took place in late September Methane leaka potent greenhouse gas from twins north creek A network of gas pipelines across the Baltic Sea to Germany. The system, which is also controlled by the Kremlin, has long been a source of geopolitical tension given Europe’s reliance on Russian natural resources.

Sweden’s government said last week that its security team had launched a criminal investigation into the Nord Stream incident, which has deepened suspicions that the network was the target of sabotage.

“Certain seizures have been made,” the government added.

Western authorities have suggested Russia was behind the Nord Stream issue, although the Kremlin countered that it would not attack its own infrastructure.

Another problem for the Russian pipeline will be the growing concern among European consumers about ample supplies for the coming winter, though NBC News reports Polish officials stressed that Druzbha’s leak was likely the result of an accident rather than sabotage.