Report: Russia May Demand Compensation Over Nord Stream Blasts

Image copyright: Reuters

The Facts

  • A Russian diplomat cited by the news agency RIA Novosti indicated that Moscow may seek compensation for damage to the Nord Stream gas pipelines last year. It's unclear, however, whether the projects will proceed.

  • The Baltic Sea pipelines that connect Russia and Germany were hit by two unexplained blasts last September, in what Moscow called an act of “international terrorism.”


The Spin

Pro-Russia narrative

The West is looking to "whitewash" the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines and make the topic disappear, but Moscow will not allow that to happen. No one can deny there was anti-Russian sabotage conducted by one or more state actors, and all participants must be held responsible for their actions. Russia has every right to demand compensation for Nord Stream, and the culprits must be identified.

Anti-Russia narrative

The UN Security Council should show restraint and avoid speculation and unfounded accusations that could further escalate the already heightened tensions in the region. The cause of the pipeline explosions beneath the Baltic Sea remains unclear. The damaged pipelines are likely a result of the war in Ukraine, and one of many risks that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has introduced to the world.