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Explosives planted in the middle of the sea on the Nord Stream pipeline by U.S. agents in September 2022 caused its destruction and triggered an energy crisis in Europe—at least that's what renowned investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claims in an article published on February 8, 2023. He alleges that the U.S. has committed sabotage to undermine the Russian economy and strengthen its position as a major energy producer and exporter. Nord Stream transports natural gas between Russia and Germany.
Prior to the invasion, President Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, reportedly formed a secret committee with the CIA to sabotage the pipeline. The norwegian government allegedly provided intelligence and facilities, and the U.S. military strengthened its bases in the region. The army also is said to have obtained legal sovereignty over specific territories to circumvent Norwegian laws. Despite fears of escalation, Germany is believed to have agreed to the plan.
There are concerns about the Nord Stream pipeline because it could increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas, and because it intentionally bypasses Ukraine, allowing Russia to invade. Nevertheless, according to Hersh, the United States is more concerned about its own strategic interests in this situation: as a matter of fact, the U.S. government recognized the economic opportunity on the horizon and accelerated approvals for LNG terminal projects as soon as the invasion began.
This shocking revelation raises issues about the US's role in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Some experts have criticised the United States for joining Russia in ignoring the impact of the war on ordinary people, who are also suffering from the ongoing economic crisis. This war is believed to have killed over 200,000 soldiers and 30,000 civilians, displaced millions of people, and destroyed billions of dollars in infrastructure.
Tensions between Russia and the West extend beyond Ukraine and Europe. Both camps have imposed economic sanctions on each other, and this mutual pressure has pushed Russia to strengthen ties with China and other Asian and Middle Eastern countries as competition for economic influence in various regions intensifies. The United States, in particular, imposed sanctions on Russia's energy sector, which contributed significantly to the sudden and excessive rise in gas prices in Europe and North America in 2022.
The Syrian conflict illustrates the rivalry between Russia and the United States, which support President Assad and opposition groups respectively, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. They also compete for influence in the Arctic and its vast oil and gas reserves, with a growing military presence fueling fears of future conflict. In addition, the two countries are engaged in a long-standing dispute over the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline has triggered an energy crisis across Europe, leading to rising gas prices and supply shortages, with workers in those states taking on most of the burden. As a result, many European laws now require households to lower temperatures at particular times, even this winter. Russia's decision to restrict gas supplies through Ukraine has aggravated the situation, prompting fears about Europe's energy security.
Although the US continues to deny any role in the bombing of the Nord Stream pipeline, many experts remain unconvinced. The United States has a history of involvement in such conflicts, and the explosion has had a significant environmental impact. In addition, the United States has previously used energy as a foreign policy weapon, sanctioning oil-producing countries such as Iran and Venezuela.