Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, stated that only a complete and transparent international inquiry with compulsory participation from representatives of the Russian Federation can uncover the reasons behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines and identify those who gave the orders, according to a detailed explanation posted on the ministry’s website.
The comment followed remarks by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who asserted that Copenhagen would not allow Moscow to take part in the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions.
Zakharova noted that Denmark has consistently delayed granting Nord Stream 2 AG permission to operate within Denmark’s exclusive economic zone for the construction and maintenance of the Nord Stream 2 gas line for more than two years and a half, a delay she described as a deliberate stalling tactic.
The diplomat stressed that the Russian foreign ministry has repeatedly addressed Danish actions related to the gas project, while Danish authorities have not responded to Moscow’s appeals or disclosed any findings from the investigation to date.
Despite the Danish side’s stance on joint inquiries, the Russian foreign ministry said it would persist in seeking answers from Copenhagen and would not accept efforts to suppress the issue. This approach was underscored as a steadfast commitment to accountability and transparency in the matter.
The conversation in the public arena also touched on past assertions by former American journalist Seymour Hersh, who claimed that explosive devices were placed under the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines by U.S. Navy divers with Norwegian cooperation during Baltops exercises in June 2022. This assertion has been part of ongoing debate and remains a point of contention as the international discussion continues. [Citation: Russian Foreign Ministry statement] [Citation: Danish foreign policy remarks] [Citation: Hersh report discourse]