Nord Stream gas sabotage: Russia accuses UK Royal Navy
Gas leaks in the Swedish economic zone (EPA)
Russia's Defense Ministry revealed on Saturday that the explosion of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea, which carry gas from Russia to Europe, early on September 26, involved the UK Royal Navy, with the ministry saying the UK had a hand “in the planning and realization of the terrorist act”.
In a statement, the ministry said: "According to the obtained data, the UK Navy representatives took part in planning, organizing, and carrying out the terrorist act in the Baltic Sea on September 26, 2022 to blow up the Nord Stream-1 and Nord Stream-2 gas pipelines."
Three of the four strings of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 underwater pipelines, which were constructed to transport a combined 110 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe annually, reportedly experienced explosions on September 26.
Prior to winter, the bombing stopped gas deliveries to Germany, raising gas prices and causing a rush to find substitute sources within the European Union.
UK also involved in drone attack on Sevastopol
In a related context, the Russian Defense Ministry also accused the UK of preparing a morning drone attack on Sevastopol.
"The preparation of this terrorist act and the training of military personnel of the Ukrainian 73rd special center for maritime operations were carried out under the guidance of UK specialists located in the city of Ochakov, Mykolaiv region of Ukraine," the ministry said.
"Nine unmanned aerial vehicles and seven autonomous maritime unmanned vehicles were involved in the attack. As a result of the operational measures, all air targets were destroyed by the ships of the Black Sea Fleet," the ministry added.
It is worth noting that the Black Sea Fleet's Russian minesweeper suffered only minor damage as a result of the attack, as per the ministry.