USA: Near the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that was damaged by an explosion, to the east of the island of Bornholm, it is thought that the Royal Danish Navy is engaged in a diving operation.

A Flyvefisken-class patrol ship used by military divers had been spotted there, along with two other military ships, according to the Berlingske newspaper on Tuesday. According to Berlingske, the Danish military confirmed its presence east of Bornholm but declined to comment on the purpose of the ships.

Last week, the operator of the undersea pipeline, the Russian gas giant Gazprom, reported finding an odd object close to Nord Stream 2; the foreign minister of Denmark, Lars Rasmussen, said his nation could verify the report.

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According to the minister, the company sent images of the item to Danish authorities, and the Russian government formally enquired via its embassy. Rasmussen pledged at the time that Copenhagen takes the discovery seriously and will conduct additional research.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, mentioned the item last week in a television interview. He claimed that it was discovered about 30 kilometres from the site of the pipeline breach during a Gazprom survey. The president, citing experts, speculated that the object might be an aerial used for remotely detonating a charge.

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Because the object is situated in Denmark's exclusive zone, Moscow requested permission to conduct additional exploration, according to Putin. "On its own, jointly with [the Danes], or, better yet, with an international group of explosives experts who are trained to work at such depth," Russia could plan a mission.

Rasmussen's declaration that he would not grant such permission drew a rebuke from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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Explosions were used to sabotage the two Nord Stream pipelines, which are primarily adjacent to one another but diverge slightly near Bornholm. One explosion took place in Danish waters, and the other in the Swedish zone. The key energy links' four strings, which are made up of three strings each, were broken.

Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claims that US President Joe Biden authorised the operation, which involved the US and Norwegian militaries planting the charges. Both countries have disclaimed all liability.