Nord Stream Explosions: High-Level Denials and Ongoing Investigations Across Europe
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that the United States blocks any genuine attempt to carry out a fair international inquiry into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. This claim appeared in reports by RIA News. Lavrov emphasized that the issue of terrorist attacks on the Nord Stream conduits will not be the central focus, arguing that the United States obstructs honest international investigation. He also criticized European leaders, noting that many, particularly in Germany, have remained quiet and appeared to tolerate public humiliations in the process.
Earlier statements came from the Russian Ambassador to Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin, who suggested that Denmark is eager to swiftly move to protect the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions. The tone of Barbin’s remarks implied a sense of urgency to wrap up inquiries quickly, potentially shaping the narrative around responsibility and accountability.
In Germany, former Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the continuing work of the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office in the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 case. Scholz stressed that the probe remains active and that authorities intend to carry on with the investigation, signaling that legal procedures are still underway despite international dynamics and public discourse.
Historical context shows that on a date in late September 2022, damage and gas leaks were detected along three lines of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2. Seismologists recorded two explosions along the gas routes, prompting swift action from the Swedish Prosecutor’s Office, which opened an inquiry into the events. Germany and Denmark initiated their own procedures as part of parallel investigations, illustrating a coordinated but multijurisdictional response to the incident.
Earlier remarks from a Russian ambassador underscored the perception that Germany and allied states have not complied with certain Russian requests tied to Nord Stream. The evolving narrative highlights tensions between Russia and Western actors as investigations progress, with multiple countries pursuing evidence and accountability through distinct legal channels. The overarching question remains how to establish clarity about responsibility and the sequence of events, while balancing national interests and international law. The public discourse continues to hinge on transparency, procedural integrity, and the capacity of institutions to conduct thorough investigations that withstand political pressures. The involvement of European and Nordic authorities demonstrates a commitment to a comprehensive review, even as competing statements and strategic positions shape the timeline and focus of inquiries. Attribution: reporting sources and official statements are cited to reflect the multiplicity of perspectives involved in the ongoing investigation.