Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov asserted in an interview with RT Arabic that the responsibility for the explosions in the Nord Stream pipelines lies with the United States. He emphasized that Moscow would not allow the investigation to stall and would push for a thorough, transparent inquiry that clarifies what happened and who is accountable. Ryabkov’s comments reflect a broad pattern of denials and counterclaims that accompany the complex, high-stakes debate over energy infrastructure security in the European theater.
The discussion of responsibility comes amid ongoing efforts by Russia to maintain momentum in the investigative process. He indicated that Russia aims to keep up the pace of the inquiry, insisting that results and evidence be pursued vigorously to prevent any impression of paralysis or moral disengagement. The dialogue surrounding these events continues to shape diplomatic positioning and public expectations across the involved regions.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, the former EU Commissioner for the Environment and Oceans, stated that the EU is weighing joint patrols and coordinated exercises to safeguard critical naval infrastructure and to monitor activities that could jeopardize maritime security. He also noted the possibility of seizing Russian intelligence vessels as part of a broader strategy to deter threats to sea lanes and deep-water installations that support energy and trade connections within Europe.
According to Sinkevičius, a refreshed maritime strategy is slated for publication on March 10. The plan is expected to outline annual joint EU naval exercises and a higher tempo of patrols at sea. The document would align with Europe’s aim to reinforce resilience against disruptions to maritime access, protect undersea networks, and coordinate response mechanisms across member states and partner nations.
The discussion also draws attention to floating gas storage and regasification facilities as a vulnerable segment of the EU energy system. These assets enable Europe to diversify away from pipeline gas from Russia, reducing exposure to geopolitical tensions. Analysts and policymakers have highlighted the risk that such facilities could become attractive targets in any escalation, underscoring the importance of robust protection measures, redundancy, and rapid incident response plans to preserve energy security for households and industry alike.
Additionally, there is growing concern within NATO regarding the capabilities of the Russian submarine fleet and the potential threat they pose to underwater critical infrastructure. Observers note that advances in submarine technology and stealth operations could complicate surveillance and defensive efforts, prompting allied forces to reassess monitoring, liaison procedures, and cooperative intelligence-sharing to safeguard underwater cables, communication lines, and other essential maritime assets.