Mykhailo Podolyak, a key advisor to the Ukrainian president, has categorically denied his country’s involvement in the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in September 2022. Instead, he has pointed the finger at Russia, claiming that only Russia had the resources and capabilities to carry out such a complex operation.
In a statement to Reuters, Podolyak asserted, “Such an act can only be carried out with extensive technical and financial resources… and who possessed all this at the time of the bombing? Only Russia.”
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which transport natural gas under the Baltic Sea, were severely damaged by a series of explosions seven months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The incident significantly disrupted the flow of Russian gas to Europe, impacting energy markets and raising serious geopolitical concerns.
While investigations continue, Polish authorities have issued a European arrest warrant for a Ukrainian man named Volodymyr Z in connection with the attacks. However, this individual has reportedly left Poland. Further fueling the controversy, The Wall Street Journal reported that high-ranking Ukrainian officials were involved in the events surrounding the explosions.
Despite these developments, Podolyak maintains that Ukraine had no role in the sabotage and gained no strategic or tactical advantage from the blasts.
Russia, for its part, has accused the United States, Britain, and Ukraine of orchestrating the attacks. However, these accusations have been strongly denied. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have all opened their own investigations into the incident. Swedish authorities have confirmed the explosions were deliberate acts, finding traces of explosives on objects recovered from the blast site.
The Nord Stream pipeline saga continues to generate significant controversy and international tensions. The ongoing investigations are crucial in determining the truth behind the explosions and holding those responsible accountable.
