Exclusive: Russia Lodges Complaint with Germany Over Nord Stream Sabotage Investigation
Russia has officially complained to Germany regarding the ongoing investigation into the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The RIA state news agency reported that a key suspect in the sabotage attack escaped arrest in Poland, causing tension between the two countries.
According to German media reports, a Ukrainian diving instructor has been identified as a suspect in the Nord Stream attack, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in Poland. However, Polish prosecutors revealed that the suspect had already left the country as his name was not included in the wanted persons database provided by Germany.
Moscow is skeptical about the outcome of the German investigation, with Oleg Tyapkin from the Russian foreign ministry stating that they believe the responsible parties will not be identified. The Russian government has raised concerns about Germany and other affected countries fulfilling their obligations under U.N. anti-terrorist conventions, and has made official claims to Berlin on the matter.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the importance of Germany providing answers to all questions related to the case. Despite these developments, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry dismissed Russia’s complaint, mentioning that they are in communication with Russian authorities regarding the probe.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, crucial for transporting gas under the Baltic Sea, were targeted by a series of blasts in September 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite the severity of the attack, no group or individual has claimed responsibility. Russia has accused the United States and Britain of orchestrating the sabotage, allegations that have been denied by both countries.
Lavrov pointed fingers at Washington for allegedly issuing the order to blow up the pipelines, though no concrete evidence has been provided to support this claim. Reports from prominent U.S. newspapers have suggested Ukrainian involvement in the attack, a claim vehemently denied by Ukraine.
Amidst the controversy, Lavrov criticized the media for diverting attention from the true perpetrators of the “terrorist act”. He also lamented Germany’s loss of a stable energy supply from Russia, which played a significant role in the country’s economic prosperity for decades.