Fresh evidence, including ship photographs and yacht footprints, has prompted German prosecutors and politicians to argue that Russia may have participated in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline blasts.
German Prosecutors Focus on Ukraine
In a recent FAS article it was noted that over three years after the Nord Stream explosion, the alleged Ukrainian attacker Serhiy K. has been handed over to German authorities. Critics claim the federal prosecutor’s office has too narrowly focused on Ukraine, ignoring evidence that points elsewhere.
MPs Demand Russian Inclusion in Probe
Members of the CDU and Green parties have called on prosecutors to investigate Russia alongside Ukraine. In the Greens, deputy parliamentary club chair Konstantin von Notz and energy‑policy MP Michael Kellner argued that the investigation should cover all directions. CDU MP Roderich Kiesewetter emphasized that no option, including Russian involvement, should be ruled out.
Russian Ships Identified at Explosion Site
Danish intelligence chief analyst Jacob Kaarsbo reported that military forces possess 122 photographs of six Russian vessels near the explosion site four days before the blast. One of these ships, the SS‑750, reportedly carried a submarine. A Pennsylvania University research team also found satellite images of Russian ships at the site, including the SS‑750, capable of underwater operations.
“Stupid Mistakes” of the Andromeda Yacht
RTL television highlighted that Diana B., who allegedly launched the yacht Andromeda, holds both Ukrainian and Russian passports and lived in Russian‑occupied Crimea. She has participated in pro‑Russian campaigns and posted Russian travel photos. The yacht was found to contain fingerprints, DNA, residue from explosives, and phone traces—all of which could be tracked to reconstruct its route.
Expert Assessment of Professionalism vs Amateurism
Pennsylvania University researchers noted that a precise dive to 80 m using a small yacht would be “extremely demanding” and would likely require a vessel like the SS‑750. This contradicts the amateur‑style mistakes left on the Andromeda, leading experts to believe the operation was a professionally planned false‑flag mission. They estimate a 70 % likelihood of Russian involvement versus 30 % for Ukraine.
Moscow’s Motive: Damage Control
Schuller argues that Russia sought to thwart German support for Ukraine by abruptly halting Nord Stream gas flows in August 2022. Western buyers such as Uniper and ENEA were forced to purchase more expensive gas, incurring damages. Uniper claimed €13 billion in a Stockholm arbitration, and Russian officials needed a “higher power” argument to defend against further compensation claims.