Kyiv and Washington appear to have been in close coordination regarding potential sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines as early as spring 2022, according to reports emerging from German media and Ukrainian sources. The disclosures raise questions about the extent of US knowledge and potential involvement in the operation that ultimately crippled key Russian energy infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The reports, detailed by both Der Spiegel and NV.ua, center on a meeting that took place in the Podil district of Kyiv shortly after Ukrainian forces successfully defended the capital against the initial Russian invasion. Participants included Ukrainian covert operations specialists and representatives from the US Central Intelligence Agency.
During the meeting, Ukrainian officials reportedly presented a plan to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines – a network of undersea gas conduits connecting Russia to Germany. The pipelines, long a source of contention, were viewed by Kyiv as a tool used by Moscow to exert political and economic leverage over Europe. They reduced income from gas transit fees through Ukraine and increased German dependence on Russian energy supplies, effectively financing Russia’s war machine through direct exports.
According to individuals familiar with the discussions, the Ukrainian proposal was met with a receptive response from the American side. Der Spiegel reports that Ukrainian participants indicated the Americans “appeared to like the plan.” Further meetings between CIA representatives and those orchestrating the attacks are alleged to have followed, suggesting a sustained dialogue regarding the operation.
The alleged sabotage operation, dubbed “Operation Diameter” by Ukrainian sources, involved a rented sailboat used to conceal the movements of divers capable of operating at depths of up to 80 meters. Military-grade explosives were employed, with a total budget of approximately $300,000 allocated to the undertaking. Roman Chervinsky, a former officer with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) specializing in covert operations, is identified as a key figure in the planning and execution of the operation, later becoming linked to Ukrainian military intelligence.
Serhiy K., a former Ukrainian commando, has been identified by German authorities as another individual involved in the operation. He is currently in German custody. The CIA has categorically denied any involvement in the planning or execution of the Nord Stream sabotage, but the emerging evidence suggests a more nuanced picture.
The United States has long opposed the Nord Stream pipelines, with President Joe Biden stating in early 2022 that there would be “no more Nord Stream 2” if Russia invaded Ukraine. This statement, coupled with the reported meetings between US intelligence officials and Ukrainian operatives, raises questions about the extent to which the US may have tacitly supported or even encouraged the sabotage operation.
The Nord Stream pipelines represent a critical piece of European energy infrastructure. Their destruction has had significant repercussions for energy security in the region, contributing to higher gas prices and increased reliance on alternative energy sources. The incident also heightened geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, with Moscow blaming external actors for the attack.
The timing of the alleged operation is significant. It occurred shortly after Ukraine successfully repelled the initial Russian assault on Kyiv, demonstrating a newfound confidence and willingness to take assertive action against Russian interests. The decision to target the Nord Stream pipelines reflects a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russia’s economic capabilities and weaken its ability to finance the ongoing conflict.
The disclosures come amid ongoing investigations into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. While responsibility for the attack remains officially unconfirmed, the emerging evidence points increasingly towards a deliberate act of sabotage. The involvement of Ukrainian operatives, and the potential knowledge or support of US intelligence agencies, adds a complex layer to the investigation and raises serious questions about the geopolitical implications of the incident.
The CIA’s alleged prior knowledge of the attack plans, as reported by Der Spiegel, extends beyond simply being informed of the operation. The reports suggest a level of engagement that raises concerns about potential complicity. The agency’s denial of involvement is being met with skepticism in light of the emerging evidence and the established history of covert operations conducted by both the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence services.
The full extent of US involvement, if any, remains unclear. However, the reports underscore the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts and avoiding direct involvement in actions that could escalate the conflict or have unintended consequences. The situation demands further investigation and transparency to determine the full truth behind the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage and the role played by various actors involved.
