Washington, D.C. – Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has accused Washington of “implicitly legitimizing terrorism” by remaining silent on the bombing of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.
In a statement released on Friday, Antonov criticized U.S. leaders for their lack of response to the September 2022 explosions that severely damaged the pipelines in the Baltic Sea. “They want everyone to forget the inconvenient statements made by U.S. leaders about the importance of destroying the pipelines,” he said, referencing past remarks that underscored tensions surrounding the energy infrastructure.
Antonov suggested that the United States is attempting to shift blame onto Ukraine, stating, “They aim to shift the blame entirely onto their Ukrainian puppets, although they are fully aware that Kyiv will not take a single step without a go-ahead from Washington.” He emphasized that the refusal of U.S. officials to comment on the issue is “quite telling,” accusing them of taking a position as “outside observers.”
“The functionaries have not lifted a finger to ensure that the truth about the events from almost two years ago comes to light,” Antonov added. “America is giving carte blanche for similar crimes in the future.”
The ambassador’s remarks come in the wake of an arrest warrant issued by Germany’s federal prosecutor general for a Ukrainian suspect believed to be involved in the bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines. The suspect’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Background on the Nord Stream Pipelines
The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines were critical conduits for transporting natural gas from Siberia to Germany and other European countries. In September 2022, both pipelines experienced catastrophic explosions in the territorial waters of Sweden and Denmark, leading to significant disruptions in energy supplies and escalating geopolitical tensions.
The incident intensified debates over energy security in Europe, with various parties attributing blame and calling for thorough investigations. The destruction of the pipelines has had lasting impacts on European energy markets and has been a point of contention in Russia-U.S. and Russia-EU relations.
International Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
The silence from Washington, as highlighted by Ambassador Antonov, adds a complex layer to the already strained relations between Russia and the United States. The call for transparency and accountability echoes throughout the international community as investigators from multiple countries seek to uncover the perpetrators behind the attack.
The Nord Stream pipeline bombings remain a focal point in discussions about regional security and energy dependence. As new developments emerge, global observers watch closely for responses from major stakeholders, including the United States, Russia, and European nations directly affected by the disruptions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
