Day 218 Roundup: Fourth Leak Reported on Nordstream Pipelines; US to More Than Double Ukraine's HIMARS Capabilities

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Image copyright: Danish Defense Command [via AP News]

The Facts

  • A fourth leak on the Nordstream pipelines was reported on Thursday, after blasts earlier in the week caused unknown quantities of methane to escape into the Baltic Sea. Sweden's coast guard told the country's TT news agency that they have a vessel at the site of the leak, adding that all four leaks were in international waters – two near Sweden and two near Denmark.

  • Some European officials and energy experts have alleged Russia was responsible, while others warned against apportioning blame until a full investigation has been carried out. Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday alleged – without providing evidence – that "US intelligence services" were involved.

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The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

If Russia's role in these pipeline attacks is confirmed, then Europe's energy crisis is entering a new and dangerous phase. If Russia targets Western energy and communication infrastructure under the sea, it could draw the US and NATO into direct conflict with the Russian Navy, raising a host of security concerns.

Politico

Pro-Russia narrative

Attempts to pin these attacks on Moscow are typical of Washington's thinking, particularly in light of the fact that US warships were sighted near the location of the blasts a day prior. We have to ask who really benefits the most from attacks on Russian gas routes, particularly in light of Biden commenting that he would "bring an end" to Nord Stream 2.

TASS

Metaculus Prediction

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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