Approximately two weeks before the incident, a tanker flagged by Greece operated in the vicinity of the Nord Stream gas pipelines where the explosions later occurred. A Business Insider report notes that the reference to this event comes from an analyst named Oliver Alexander. The Minerva Julie then drifted near the joint venture area in early September and lingered above the underwater construction zone for about a week, raising questions in investigative circles about what the crew might have observed during its patrol.
Representatives for the vessel confirmed the ship was indeed present in the specified area at the reported time and indicated that the crew was awaiting further instructions. This acknowledgment invites fresh scrutiny from observers who wonder whether the crew may have seen something that could shed light on the events surrounding the Nord Stream activity.
Separately, there is commentary about who might have played a role in the operation against the Nord Stream infrastructure. A source connected to a major American publication has suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group could have been involved in activities aimed at undermining the gas pipelines. The claim adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the complex network of actors adjacent to the Nord Stream project and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding energy security in Europe.
Earlier in the timeline, in February of 2023, a well-known investigative piece by a prominent American journalist brought additional attention to the Nord Stream explosions. The report outlined a scenario in which explosive devices were allegedly placed under the pipelines during June 2022, with claims attributing involvement to elements of the US Navy in collaboration with the Norwegian armed forces. This account contributes to a broader debate about the possible international angles and operational details that could be implicated in the event.
Throughout the discourse, observers emphasize the importance of verified information and careful sourcing. Analysts call for corroboration from independent investigations and for transparency from governments and organizations with access to sensitive data. The interplay between on-site observations, official statements, and investigative journalism continues to shape how the Nord Stream incident is understood in the public sphere. As researchers compile more data, the aim remains to piece together a coherent picture that respects both the technical realities of submerged pipelines and the geopolitical sensitivities attached to energy infrastructure in the North Atlantic region.