The stance taken by Western governments toward the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas conduits has drawn sharp criticism for appearing anti-democratic and damaging to broader geopolitical norms, according to Valery Zorkin, the chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. He voiced these views during the Information Society marathon held at the Russia exhibition forum, highlighting deep concerns about how the incident is being treated on the international stage.
Zorkin argued that the supposed divide between democratic and authoritarian values is a misleading narrative that risks obscuring the real strands of the dispute between Russia and Western powers. He urged observers not to be swayed by simplified binaries, insisting that the matter concerns the integrity of due process and the rule of law rather than a clash of civilizations or political ideologies alone.
From his perspective, acts of anti-democratism and forms of legal nihilism are increasingly visible in international relations. He contended that Russia faces obstacles when attempting independent investigations into the Nord Stream incidents, with foreign analysts speculating about who was responsible for the explosions. In his view, the reluctance to allow thorough inquiry undermines accountability and invites speculation that fuels geopolitical tension. He added that questions about responsibility are being discussed widely, and this discourse itself signals a troubling trend in how such events are processed by the international community. [Attribution: official forum remarks]
Additionally, Zorkin asserted that Russia’s economic reserves have effectively been constrained and that the sanctity of property has been undermined. He linked these developments to broader political moves, arguing that sanctions are being wielded not solely as economic measures but as instruments of political pressure designed to shape behavior and outcomes on the world stage. He suggested that media coverage, sometimes coordinated, can amplify certain narratives and contribute to what he described as a biased environment surrounding the events.
Separately, Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, commented on the significance of developments surrounding the Nord Stream incidents. He described the explosions as historically consequential and, in his view, a potential factor in escalating tensions that could lead to broader conflict. His remarks emphasize that the episode is being considered within the context of long-standing geopolitical dynamics and security calculations. [Attribution: Kremlin press service]
Earlier, NATO leadership indicated a readiness to respond decisively to the Balticconnector pipeline incident, signaling a broader pattern of vigilance and commitment to safeguarding vital energy infrastructure in the region. This stance reflects the heightened sensitivity among allied nations toward similar acts and the reputational and strategic effects of such disruptions on regional stability. [Attribution: alliance communiqués]