Until a forensic analysis is done its all just speculation. Sabotage is clearly a possibility. Improper operations and maintenance is another possibility. Faulty materials or construction techniques would still be another possibility. Software failure used to control pumps and valves could be yet another. I’m sure there are others.
Too early to draw conclusions about who or what caused this.
“Improper operations and maintenance is another possibility.”
Only on Planet Kindergarten.
There were 4 seismically-recorded explosions, on 2 separate pipelines, kilometers apart, the same hour.
4 unseen asteroid strikes is just as likely.
What are you kidding me? All sides agree this could only be done by a major state actor, they are the only ones with the necessary military sophistication to pull something like this off. Russia certainly isn’t going to destroy its own infrastructure, a pipeline that was holding an estimated $600-$800 billion in natural gas. As mentioned above Biden has already come out saying Nordstream2 will never be allowed to open. I suppose it was just coincidental that in the days proceeding this there were mass demonstrations in Germany and elsewhere in Europe demanding an end to the Russian sanctions.
There’s no doubt whatsoever the US did this out of fear that Germany might go soft on those sanctions when confronted with the economic hardships they are guaranteed to bring. The entire Baltic Sea is covered with NATO monitoring stations to keep track of Russian subs, if they did it we would have proof.
The US can lie all they want about this and perhaps European leaders will go along with it out of fear of directly confronting the US, but the European people themselves can put 2+2 together and figure out who was really responsible. I mean this could literally be construed as an act of war against countries that we are supposed to be allied with. Just unbelievable chutzpah on the part of the US, it makes me feel ashamed as an American.
“Too early to draw conclusions about who or what caused this.”
The fact that 4 explosions on 2 pipelines were approximately at the same time rules out internal explosion from corrosion. When examined, unless there are holes clearly bending outward that cause would be highly unlikely.
The idea that some middle east power would want to get rid of the pipeline to make their sales to Europe easier is not illogical. They certainly must be angry that Russia does not want them to go through Syria with a pipeline. Several countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE and others are all rich enough they could buy experienced mercenaries and equipment to conduct such an explosion operation. These people or their citizens are especially good at big operations requiring extreme secrecy, think 9/11.
Another possibility is destruction by Russia to put the blame on the US/Europe. This point of view has been heavily argued at this post by several very articulate Comrades who are always posting pro Putin/Russia comments or articles. The idea of seeing who benefits was puzzling me for a while until I saw a very interest item stated as fact at another Ukraine post a day or 2 ago.
There it was pointed out that Germany had a contract with Gazprom to pay Gazprom for a specific amount of gas yearly until 2030. It was also stated that Germany would have to pay whether they received gas or not. There would undoubtedly be a big lawsuit if Germany was no longer getting their gas but still being required to pay for a specific quantity. If Russia turned off the gas, they would have a weak argument for payment. But if people believe or it is proven that US or Europe blew up the pipeline, they would have a strong argument for being paid, or at least would look good in the argument. I wonder how much the Germans are supposed to pay until 2030 for this Gazprom contract?
This is the most sophisticated anti Ukraine operation, by roundabout means, that I have seen so far on Free Republic. Roundabout means giving detailed technical information leading to beliefs that might persuade Europe to give up on Ukraine support.