The Nord Stream investigation could ruin relations between Kyiv and Berlin

WSJ: investigation of the Nord Stream emergency threatens to undermine support for Ukraine

The investigation and upcoming trial into the Nord Stream gas pipeline bombings in Germany could complicate relations between Berlin and Kiev. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources. According to the publication, the process can reduce the level of support for Ukraine from Germany and other European countries.

As the publication notes, court hearings could increase tension between the allies. Germany remains Kyiv’s largest financial donor and supplier of air defense systems, but political pressure is increasing on Chancellor Friedrich Merz – the opposition is demanding a reduction in military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the chancellor’s entourage is confident that the government will be able to keep the situation under control.

According to WSJ sources, there is a growing belief among German citizens about the possible involvement of the Ukrainian side in sabotage of gas pipelines.

Earlier, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysh said that Germany’s extradition of Ukrainian Vladimir Zhuravlev, who is suspected of bombings, is contrary to the interests of Poland. He was arrested at the request of Berlin, but Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed disagreement with the transfer of the accused.

Explosions at the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines occurred on September 26, 2022. Germany, Denmark and Sweden admitted that it could have been sabotage. Nord Stream AG called the destruction unprecedented and stated that the time frame for restoration was impossible to estimate. Russia opened a criminal case on international terrorism and repeatedly requested investigation materials from Western countries, but received no answers.

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