The Kremlin said on Friday that Europeans would be “surprised” if they learned the truth about the explosions that caused the leaks in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which carry Russian gas to Europe.
Russia has made repeated calls, ignored by Western countries, to be involved in the international investigation into the leaks, which took place last month amid the war in Ukraine and in the context of disputes over gas distribution between Russia and the European Union.
Among Western countries, Russia is suspected of having sabotaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines, sparking the explosions at both infrastructures on Sept. 26, an issue discussed earlier this month at a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Now Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Moscow is “working hard” to be included in the investigation, after this week he said the West was preparing to blame Russia.
“Until now, we have faced a wall of unwillingness to shed light on the truth, which will surely surprise many people in European countries if it is made public.”denounced Peskov.
“Neither the Germans, nor the Swedes, nor the Danes share information with us,” lamented the Russian presidency spokesman, referring to the countries involved in the international investigation into the gas pipeline leaks.
On October 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the explosions that caused the escapes an act of “international terrorism,” said they benefited the United States, Poland and Ukraine, and challenged US President Joe Biden to admit that the country was responsible for this act .
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said before the recent meeting of defense ministers that “after the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the Alliance has further strengthened surveillance in all areas”, namely “the presence in the Baltic Sea and the north during more than 30 ships supported by maritime patrol aircraft and submarine capabilities”.
“Allies are also increasing security around key facilities and intensifying information sharing,” the Atlantic Alliance leader said, promising “new measures to strengthen resilience and protect critical infrastructure.”
The Nord Stream gas pipelines were the center of geopolitical controversy even before the conflict in Ukraine, when Kiev and Washington opposed their construction, citing risks to Europe’s reliance on Russian energy.
Source: DN
