Ukraine Allegedly Behind $300,000 Nord Stream Sabotage, Zelensky Involved: WSJ

Aug 15, 2024, 05:25 AM

Recent reports suggest that Ukraine was behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, a critical infrastructure transporting natural gas from Russia to Germany. According to a detailed investigation by the Wall Street Journal, the operation was allegedly approved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and executed at a cost of $300,000. The plan reportedly involved a rented yacht and a six-member crew. Despite Zelensky's last-minute attempt to abort the mission, his commander-in-chief, Valeriy Zaluzhniy, proceeded with the operation. Ukrainian officials, however, have denied any involvement in the explosions, with presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak refuting the claims. The incident has raised questions about the motivations behind the sabotage and its implications for international relations, particularly between Germany, Ukraine, and Russia. The explosions specifically damaged the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.