U.S. Intelligence Links Ukrainian-Backed Group to Nord Stream Explosions: NYT

New intelligence reports received by U.S. officials suggest that last year’s explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipeline were carried out by a Ukrainian-supported group. This was reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, citing RTVI.

According to the intelligence, those involved in the pipeline explosions were citizens of Ukraine or Russia (possibly a mixed group) who supported Kyiv’s stance against the Russian Federation. The publication emphasizes that no citizens of the United States or the United Kingdom were involved in the attack.

The explosives were most likely planted by experienced divers, who apparently did not work for military or intelligence services. However, it cannot be ruled out that they had previously undergone special training funded by a government.

Simultaneously, U.S. intelligence has no evidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or senior Ukrainian officials were engaged in the operation. The publication does not disclose the name of the group or the identities of its members.

Informants for the New York Times also do not reveal the nature of the intelligence data received, the sources of this data, nor do they provide any proof of the information's authenticity.

Recall that explosions occurred on the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in September 2022, damaging three out of four branches. NATO has described the incident as the result of “deliberate, thoughtless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indirectly blamed the U.S. for the bombings. Some European countries have claimed that Russia was involved in the pipeline damage. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden are investigating the incident.

In early February, American journalist Seymour Hersh published an article stating that the U.S. organized the bombing of the Nord Stream with Norwegian support. The White House, the U.S. State Department, and Norway’s Foreign Ministry have all denied these allegations.