Nord Stream Investigations: A Multinational Debate and the Call for a UN Commission
Russia has put forward a proposal within the United Nations Security Council to create a formal commission tasked with examining the sabotage events surrounding the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The request is slated for a council vote on March 27, with proceedings at 3:00 PM local time, which aligns with 22:00 in Moscow. The Russian delegation to the United Nations noted that China is a co-sponsor of the resolution, highlighting Beijing’s role in shaping the dialogue on accountability and international oversight.
In public remarks, former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that no federal agency of the United States participated in any sabotage of the Nord Stream systems. He stressed that a formal inquiry was requested to confirm that no U.S. federal entity was involved in disabling the pipelines, framing the issue as one of international responsibility rather than domestic action.
Separately, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has claimed that President Joe Biden was aware of who bore responsibility for the Nord Stream incidents, and that this awareness influenced the decision not to pursue a formal investigation into sabotage. Hersh has previously asserted that explosive devices were placed beneath the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 conduits as part of Baltops exercises in June 2022, allegedly carried out by U.S. Navy divers with Norwegian technical support. These allegations have generated substantial debate and spurred calls for independent verification from various international observers and media organizations. (citation: Global Policy Analysis Desk)
Analysts note that assigning blame for the Nord Stream damage remains contentious, with competing narratives and limited publicly confirmed technical details. The proposed council resolution seeks to establish an independent and transparent process that would gather evidence, review maritime security protocols, and present findings to UN member states. Proponents argue that such a commission could help clarify the sequence of events, identify potential actors, and reinforce international norms around protecting critical infrastructure. (citation: International Security Review)
Observers in Canada and the United States are following developments closely, given the strategic importance of regional energy corridors and the broader implications for energy security across North Atlantic routes. The discussion also raises questions about the effectiveness of international bodies in addressing sensitive issues of state responsibility and the mechanics of multilateral investigations. While some voices push for quick, definitive attribution, others advocate a cautious and methodical approach that preserves the integrity of evidence and avoids premature conclusions. (citation: North Atlantic Energy Watch)
As the Security Council vote nears, diplomats are engaging in intensive consultations to align positions, define mandates, and resolve procedural questions about how the commission would operate, the powers it would hold, and how its findings would be shared with member states. The outcome could influence not only the Nord Stream matter but also the broader framework for investigating attacks on critical infrastructure in international waters. (citation: UN Policy Briefs Archive)