Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed questions about the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 sabotage in a recent interview, highlighting Moscow’s stance that the West cannot simply ignore or bury the issue of these attacks. He stressed that events surrounding the pipelines demand scrutiny and accountability, not denial or delay.
On the 27th of March, during a session of the United Nations Security Council, Russia’s proposal for an independent inquiry into the explosions was rejected by a broad international majority. The draft resolution, which would have established an impartial investigation under the authority of the UN Secretary-General, did not gain the needed support. Only Russia, China, and Brazil voted in favor, while several other influential members abstained from the vote. This outcome, according to observers, reflected a cautious approach among some nations towards any third-party investigation that might implicate acknowledged allies or complicate existing alliances.
Nebenzya argued that the voting pattern reflected a preference among Western states to rely on their own national inquiries rather than support a multilateral mechanism that would extend beyond procedural boundaries. He suggested that the German, Danish, and Swedish authorities were seen by some as the primary venues for investigation, thus prompting additional caution and a reluctance to delegate broader investigative authority to the United Nations in this case.
From the Russian viewpoint, the diplomat noted that the tactics allegedly employed by the United States and its partners were not surprising given the broader geopolitical context. He recalled a controversial investigation led by journalists regarding Nord Stream, which purportedly pointed to US and Norwegian involvement in the sabotage. Nebenzya indicated that such reporting has only reinforced suspicions among certain audiences about the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the face of persistent questions, Nebenzya maintained that Western actions would not quiet the search for truth. He affirmed Russia’s commitment to pursuing a transparent, thorough accounting of the explosions and to holding those responsible to account, regardless of how lengthy or contentious the process might be. The aim, he argued, is to uncover the facts and ensure that accountability follows a clear, evidence-based standard.
Former Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later asserted that Moscow would not tolerate investigations perceived as extraordinary or extraterritorial in nature, especially if they circumvent established regional mechanisms or invite unilateral assessments. This stance underscored Russia’s insistence on a balanced approach that respects sovereignty and international law while pursuing a credible investigative process.
Maria Zakharova, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, offered tacit commentary on the broader dynamics of cooperation. She indicated that while Germany, Denmark, and Sweden may not be prepared to participate in joint inquiries alongside Russia and other affected parties, calls for comprehensive, united action remain essential. She cautioned that any effort to impede or stall a thorough examination would undermine the collective pursuit of truth and accountability, regardless of national boundaries.