New revelations from The Wall Street Journal have added a complex twist to the ongoing investigation of the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. According to the report, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved a plan in May 2022 to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. The operation, estimated to cost around $300,000, was to be funded by Ukrainian businessmen and involved using a small yacht with several divers to create the illusion of a friendly cruise.However, the plan took an unexpected turn when the CIA learned of the operation, reportedly through Dutch military intelligence (MIVD). Under pressure from the CIA, Zelensky allegedly attempted to cancel the operation. Despite this, former Ukrainian military chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi is said to have ignored the cancellation order and proceeded with a modified version of the plan.Both Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi have vehemently denied these allegations. Zaluzhnyi, now serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, stated, ‘I don’t know anything about any such operation, and any assumptions to the contrary are a simple provocation’. He further emphasized that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are not authorized to conduct foreign operations.The German investigation into the pipeline sabotage has taken a new turn with the issuance of an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor suspected of involvement in the attack. This development may potentially strain relations between Berlin and Kyiv, as Germany is a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine.As the investigation continues, it has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised questions about the extent of involvement of various parties. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has sent requests for investigation to the US, Germany, France, and Cyprus, though cooperation has been limited. The White House has denied any knowledge or support of the operation, directing specific inquiries to German authorities.
Key points
- The Wall Street Journal reports that Ukrainian President Zelensky initially approved a plan to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines.
- Former Ukrainian military chief Zaluzhnyi allegedly proceeded with the operation despite Zelensky’s later attempt to cancel it.
- Both Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi have denied involvement in the pipeline sabotage.
- Germany has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor suspected of involvement in the sabotage.
Contradictions👾While some sources claim Zelensky initially approved the sabotage plan, others report that Ukrainian officials, including a high-ranking SBU official, deny any government involvement.
👾The exact role of the CIA in the operation is unclear, with some sources suggesting they pressured Zelensky to cancel the plan, while others imply they may have had prior knowledge.
