Various accusations are being made as to whom is responsible.
NATO said that the leaks occurring on the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Europe were the result of sabotage and that attacks on its members’ infrastructure would be met with a collective response from the military alliance.
The North Atlantic Council, the decision-making body of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that made the statement, did not provide details or evidence. It also noted that the damage to the pipelines occurred in international waters. However, this is the first time the alliance has formally warned that it would deter and defend against attacks on its members’ critical infrastructure following the four documented leaks in the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.
Western intelligence officials said that the leaks were likely caused by underwater explosions.
The Kremlin claims that the U.S. is largely responsible for the sabotage of the pipeline. The allegation has aired on news outlets showing clips of President Biden stating in a speech on February 7 that if Russia invaded, “then there will be no longer Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it.”
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, in a rare one-the-record denial, said, “We all know Russia has a long history of spreading disinformation and is doing it again here.”
European security officials early this week observed Russian Navy support ships in the vicinity of the pipeline leaks. It is not clear whether the ships had anything to do with the explosions, sources and others said, but it is one of the many factors that investigators will be looking into. Russian submarines were also observed not far from those areas last week, one of the intelligence officials said. One Danish military official said Russian ships routinely operate in the area.
The president of Finland said, “It’s hard to assess; does anybody benefit? That is why this is a mystery so far.”
Many are concerned that the pipeline may have been damaged beyond repair. German officials reportedly believe the project, estimated to be worth around 35 billion euros, may never be fully operational again.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and his administration as they respond to the leaks in the pipeline between Russia and Europe.
- For wisdom for U.S. diplomats and officials as they discuss the situation with foreign ministers and leaders.
- For the NATO secretary general and the North Atlantic Council as they navigate the situation with the pipeline
Sources: Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, EuroNews
