Probes get underway on gas pipeline leaks

"Obviously, there is a destruction of the pipeline. And what the reason is, there is no option that can be ruled out until the results of the investigation emerge," Peskov said.

Both the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were built to deliver natural gas from Russia to Europe. While Russian gas giant Gazprom halted supplies via Nord Stream 1 early this month for technical maintenance, Nord Stream 2, a new project, never started operations. Germany halted its involvement in the project following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but the pipeline is filled with gas to prepare for possible use.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for authorities to "investigate the incidents, get full clarity on events and why".

European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said: "We believe we do not have the elements in order to determine what is the reason for the leak."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the initial reports indicated an attack or some other kind of sabotage, but "we haven't confirmed that yet".

Yan Qin, an analyst at Refinitiv, said that the incident removed any possibility of gas flows resuming in Nord Stream 1 later this year or next year, adding that it was highly unlikely that Germany would agree to put Nord Stream 2 into operation.

"With zero supplies via Nord Stream now a factum, it will be challenging for Western Europe to fill gas storage next year, implying a prolonged period of gas shortages and elevated gas prices for Europeans," she told China Daily on Wednesday.

Agencies contributed to this story.

CHEN WEIHUA in Brussels