The explosions in the Baltic Sea that caused leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines have been a mystery for months. According to a media report, the US government now believes that a pro-Ukrainian group blew up the gas pipelines. Information from the Secret Service would indicate that, reports the New York Times.
Related intelligence information reviewed by US officials is the first major lead that could lead to clarification of responsibility for the September blasts, the US newspaper reported. Initially, there was speculation of a Russian act of sabotage, especially given the country’s capabilities in underwater operations. According to American investigators, no evidence has been found that the Russian government was involved in the attack.
Possible connection to Kiev
According to unnamed US officials, the information gathered now indicates that the perpetrators are opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the New York Times, the officials would not provide any further information about the members of the group or how the operation was managed or paid for. While there are no clear conclusions based on available intelligence, it is possible that the operation was carried out unofficially by a proxy with ties to the Ukrainian government or its security services.
However, it was stressed that there was no evidence that the perpetrators were acting on orders from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or government officials. The government in Kiev and also the Ukrainian secret service have stated that they played no role in the attack and do not know who carried it out.
Explosives placed by divers
According to US officials, the explosives were most likely placed by experienced divers who do not work for the military or intelligence services. The divers may have received special training in the past. The saboteurs are most likely Ukrainian or Russian nationals or a combination of both.
Anonymous US officials told the New York Times that Ukraine and its allies were the most likely motive for the attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. The construction of the lines was rejected years before the Russian offensive war and seen by Ukraine as a threat to national security.
Source: Krone
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