WSJ: Ukrainian Officer Linked to Nord Stream Sabotage
Ukraine Captain Accused in Nord Stream Pipeline Blast, Investigation Reveals
Rimini, Italy - A reserve captain in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, identified as Serhijus K., has been detained in italy on suspicion of leading a team responsible for the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The operation, codenamed “Operation Diameter,” allegedly involved a small unit comprised of two soldiers and four civilians recruited by a special Ukrainian military unit.
According to sources, the operation was orchestrated by senior Ukrainian Armed Forces and Special Services officials, overseen by a high-ranking commander within the Special forces. The investigation suggests that Valerijus Zaluznas, the former Chief commander of the Ukrainian armed Forces, authorized the mission despite reported objections from the US Biden management.
The leaks were discovered in late september 2022, with seismic institutes recording two underwater explosions in the Baltic Sea. While the pipelines were not in operation at the time,they still contained substantial amounts of gas that were released into the atmosphere.
German investigators identified a yacht, the “Andromeda,” rented from a port in Rostock, germany, as the vessel used to transport the explosives to the pipeline locations. The individuals involved allegedly used falsified documents to secure the rental.Russia and Ukraine have both denied any involvement in the incident, which occurred amidst heightened geopolitical tensions as Russia had curtailed gas supplies to Europe in response to Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine.
The investigation continues, with authorities seeking to uncover the full extent of the operation and the motivations behind the attack on critical energy infrastructure.The incident raised concerns about energy security and the potential for further disruptions to gas supplies in Europe.