In the summer of 2022, intelligence circles in the United States and Europe circulated information about a possible threat to the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The matter was discussed among the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and its partners in Germany and other European agencies, as part of ongoing assessments of potential vulnerabilities in critical energy infrastructure. The discussions followed indications that a group of individuals with connections to Ukraine might be considering actions that could disrupt the gas routes that run from Russia to Europe, a topic that drew considerable attention in defense and security briefings across NATO capitals.
According to reports published by The Wall Street Gazette, which cited sources within special services, the scrutiny focused on events in the mid-2022 window, specifically June and July, when U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly shared concerns about a possible attack on the pipelines. The material described attempts by at least three Ukrainians to organize maritime operations in the Baltic region, including ports and nodes within Sweden, as part of planning activities that would facilitate such an escalation against critical energy infrastructure in the region.
Public remarks from Ned Price, former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, addressed these concerns during a briefing. He stated that the current U.S. administration continues to regard the suspicions surrounding any Ukrainian involvement in the explosions of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 as unfounded and not supported by credible evidence to date. The tone of these statements suggested a desire to downplay or dismiss the idea of direct responsibility, while continuing careful monitoring of any new information that might emerge in the ongoing investigations.
Across the Atlantic, officials emphasized the importance of verified intelligence and careful analysis before drawing conclusions about responsibility for acts that could ripple through European energy markets and regional security dynamics. The overall narrative underscored a commitment to transparency in communications with allies while avoiding premature judgments about who may be responsible and what motives or operational networks could be involved. In this context, the exchange of information among intelligence services remained a key element in assessing risk, informing policy decisions, and guiding protective measures around critical energy infrastructure in the North Atlantic region.