SAEDNEWS: German MP Alice Weidel has called for Ukraine to pay damages to Germany for the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines, alleging that Ukrainian President Zelensky initially approved the sabotage. The investigation, while ongoing, has sparked tensions and varying narratives about responsibility for the incident.
According to SAEDNEWS, Alice Weidel, a member of the Bundestag and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has publicly demanded that Ukraine compensate Germany for the economic damages incurred due to the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines. This statement comes on the heels of reports suggesting that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had initially approved the attack on the pipelines.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, crucial routes for Russian gas to Germany and broader Europe, were targeted in a sabotage incident near the Danish island of Bornholm in September 2022, resulting in the destruction of three out of four pipelines. Despite extensive investigations, no culprits have been officially identified.
Recent media reports have indicated that a Ukrainian diver, believed to be the first suspect in the sabotage case, has reportedly fled to Ukraine after being tracked to Poland. Additionally, coverage from the Wall Street Journal has revealed claims that Zelensky sanctioned the demolition of the pipelines, contradicting earlier narratives that focused on Russian involvement.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Weidel argued, “The economic damage to our country caused by the demolition of Nord Stream allegedly ordered by Zelensky - and not [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, as we were led to believe - should be 'billed' to Ukraine.” She further emphasized the need to halt any aid payments that could burden German taxpayers.
The matter has drawn international scrutiny, with Russia accusing the United States of orchestrating the sabotage to disrupt Russian gas supplies to Europe. Moscow continues to assert that the attack serves US interests while claiming that Ukraine has not taken responsibility, insisting instead that Russia is to blame.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concern regarding the transparency of Berlin's investigation, suggesting that the lack of shared information raises doubts about the integrity of the inquiry. He accused German authorities of potentially distracting public attention from the true culpables behind the attack.
As discussions surrounding responsibility and reparations escalate, the geopolitical implications of the Nord Stream sabotage remain a contentious issue between Europe, Russia, and Ukraine.
