Traces of undersea explosives have been discovered in samples taken from a yacht that was searched as part of an investigation into last year’s attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, according to European diplomats who spoke to the United Nations Security Council. The investigation, which involves Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, has not yet determined who sabotaged the pipelines or whether a state was involved.
The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines occurred as Europe was attempting to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The source of the sabotage has remained a mystery, and the recent discovery of undersea explosives on the yacht adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
In March, there were media reports suggesting that a pro-Ukraine group may have been involved in the sabotage. German media reported that a yacht hired by a Ukrainian-owned company in Poland was used in the attack, with the vessel departing from the German port of Rostock. However, German federal prosecutors have not commented directly on these reports.
The investigation has not definitively established the yacht’s precise course, but it has confirmed the presence of subsea explosives in samples taken from the boat. The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to determine the identity of the perpetrators and their motives, including whether a state or state actor was involved.
The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines had significant consequences. The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was Russia’s main natural gas supply route to Germany. Additionally, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was set to enter service, was also damaged. These pipelines had long been criticized by the United States and its allies due to concerns about Europe’s energy security and increased dependence on Russian gas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials have accused the United States of staging the explosions, describing them as a terror attack. However, Ukraine has rejected these suggestions, and the countries involved in the investigation have not commented on who might be responsible.
In response to the attacks, NATO has increased its presence in the Baltic and North Seas, deploying numerous ships, aircraft, and undersea equipment such as drones. The investigation into the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines continues, with hopes of uncovering more information about the perpetrators and their motives.
What evidence suggests possible state involvement in the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines?
Explosives Found on Yacht in Investigation of Nord Stream Pipeline Attacks
Samples taken from a yacht searched in connection with last year’s attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have revealed traces of undersea explosives, according to European diplomats who spoke to the United Nations Security Council. The investigation, involving Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, is still ongoing, with no definitive conclusions reached yet regarding the culprits or possible state involvement.
The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines occurred at a time when Europe was actively seeking to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The source of the sabotage has remained elusive, and the recent discovery of undersea explosives on the yacht introduces another layer of complexity to the case.
In March, there were media reports suggesting a potential involvement of a pro-Ukraine group in the sabotage. German media indicated that a yacht rented by a Ukrainian-owned company in Poland was used in the attack, setting sail from the German port of Rostock. However, German federal prosecutors have not directly commented on these reports.
While the exact course of the yacht has yet to be determined, the presence of subsea explosives has been confirmed in samples collected from the vessel. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to identify the perpetrators and ascertain their motives, including the possibility of state involvement.
The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines had severe consequences. The explosions caused damage to the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which served as Russia’s primary natural gas supply route to Germany. In addition, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was preparing to go into service, was also impacted. Both pipelines had faced criticism from the United States and its allies due to concerns surrounding Europe’s energy security and its growing dependence on Russian gas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials have accused the United States of orchestrating the attacks, labeling them as acts of terrorism. However, Ukraine has firmly denied these allegations, and the countries involved in the investigation have refrained from assigning blame.
In response to the attacks, NATO has bolstered its presence in the Baltic and North Seas, deploying a range of ships, aircraft, and undersea equipment, including drones. The investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline attacks remains ongoing, with hopes of discovering more information about the perpetrators and their motives.
