CIA Knew of Nord Stream Sabotage Plans, Report Claims

Intelligence suggests the CIA was briefed on potential Ukrainian plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines in the spring of 2022, raising questions about the extent of U.S. Awareness of the operation before the explosions occurred.

Early Discussions Between CIA and Ukrainian Operatives

In the spring of 2022, shortly after Russia’s initial assault on Kyiv was repelled, CIA operatives met with Ukrainian specialists in covert sabotage operations in the Podil district of Kyiv. These individuals had a pre-existing relationship, having worked together for years DER SPIEGEL. The Ukrainian team presented a plan to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines, aiming to disrupt a key source of revenue for Russia’s war effort.

According to Ukrainian sources, the Americans initially expressed interest in the proposal. Subsequent meetings reportedly took place to discuss the details of the potential attack Spiegel Online.

Shift in U.S. Position and Warnings to Ukraine

Though, by early summer 2022, the U.S. Reportedly changed its stance and cautioned Ukraine against proceeding with the plan Defence24. It is speculated that the CIA may have sought to gather information about the operation rather than actively endorse it, or that concerns arose within the U.S. Government regarding the potential consequences of such an attack.

Dutch military intelligence too obtained information about the planned attack around the same time and shared it with both the CIA and Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) Defence24.

The Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions and Investigation

Despite the warnings, the Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged on September 26, 2022, resulting in the destruction of three out of four lines. The pipelines were designed to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany Defence24.

A Ukrainian citizen, Serhii K., allegedly a member of a Ukrainian Armed Forces special forces unit at the time of the attack, is currently in German custody Defence24. The operation was reportedly approved by then-Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, without the knowledge of President Volodymyr Zelensky Defence24.

U.S. Denial

The CIA has denied the reports, describing them as “completely untrue” Defence24.

Key Takeaways

• The CIA was reportedly informed of potential Ukrainian plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines in early 2022.
• The U.S. Initially appeared receptive to the idea but later warned Ukraine against carrying out the attack.
• The Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged in September 2022, resulting in significant damage.
• A Ukrainian citizen is currently in custody in Germany in connection with the attack.
• The CIA denies involvement in or prior knowledge of the operation.