In September 2022, the Nord Stream pipelines, critical for delivering Russian gas to Germany and other parts of Europe, were crippled by underwater explosions in the Baltic Sea. A recent report by the Danish newspaper Politiken, referencing a local harbormaster, has drawn attention to the presence of American warships near the bombing site shortly before the explosions occurred. According to the report, these U.S. Navy vessels were operating with their transponders turned off, raising concerns over safety and transparency in the area. The article was published in late September 2022 but garnered renewed interest after being circulated on X (formerly Twitter) by several journalists, including Glenn Greenwald. The incidents provoked intrigue due to the clandestine movements of U.S. vessels during a pivotal moment in energy geopolitics.
Further investigation by local harbormaster John Anker Nielsen revealed that he launched a rescue mission upon noticing these ships. On reaching the area, he discovered they were indeed U.S. Navy vessels and was subsequently instructed by Naval Command to return without further engagement. Nielsen’s revelation about the presence and actions of the American fleet has incited discussions on the broader implications of U.S. military maneuvers in this sensitive region, especially amidst conspiracy theories regarding the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. Despite initial assurances of confidentiality, Nielsen decided to share his observations, believing they contribute valuable context to the ongoing debates surrounding the incident.
Politiken challenged the dominant narrative asserting that Ukrainian operatives were responsible for the explosions, purportedly using a yacht named Andromeda. Instead, Nielsen expressed skepticism towards this theory, aligning more closely with claims made by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. In early 2023, Hersh published a report alleging that President Joe Biden authorized the destruction of Nord Stream pipelines, with explosives purportedly planted by U.S. Navy divers during a NATO exercise named ‘Baltops 22’ in June 2022. This theory positions the United States as a likely suspect in the explosions, contrasting sharply with the narratives propagated by Western media about Ukrainian involvement.
Hersh’s assertions have fueled speculation about U.S. motivations behind the attack. His claims have significant geopolitical implications, suggesting that the U.S. sought to disrupt Russian energy supplies to the European market. In doing so, Washington could strengthen its position in the energy landscape, promoting more costly liquefied natural gas imports from the U.S. to European countries, thus benefiting American firms. The narrative surrounding the Nord Stream sabotage raises questions about the ethics and legality of state-sponsored actions in international waters, as well as the broader impacts on U.S.-Russia relations.
Senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have been outspoken in attributing blame for the Nord Stream explosions to the United States. They argue that the U.S. not only possessed the technical capabilities to execute such an operation but also had a vested interest in altering Europe’s energy dependency. The disruption of Russian gas supplies is seen as advantageous to U.S. geopolitical aims, reflecting a complex interplay of strategic interests influencing actions in the energy sector. The fallout from these events adds a layer of urgency to discussions about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential for escalatory actions in a geopolitically tenuous environment.
As the narratives around the Nord Stream incident evolve, the need for transparency and accountability in military operations is becoming increasingly apparent. The criticisms leveled at both the U.S. and allied nations highlight potential moral implications of covert military actions and the necessity for clarity in international relations. The reception of Nielsen’s testimony and Hersh’s exposé illustrates a deepening divide in public opinion regarding U.S. foreign policy, especially in light of accusations of sabotage that veer away from accountability. Continued discourse around these events will likely inform future policy decisions and shape the international narrative about energy security and strategic military engagement.