Putin names country possibly behind Nord Stream explosion

Speaking to Russia 24TV on March 25, Putin said he agreed with the conclusions of American journalist Seymour Hersh. He said it would be “very difficult” to clarify everything. However, the Russian leader said that at some point, “what was done, and how it was done, will finally be revealed.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

Referring to American journalist Hersh, President Putin said that Mr. Hersh had "conducted an investigation and concluded that the explosion was carried out by American intelligence." "I completely agree with this conclusion," Mr. Putin said, but did not release the evidence that Russia had collected to strengthen its argument.

In February, Mr. Hersh published a bombshell report on the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, blaming Washington for the attack. The United States, however, denied responsibility.

By March, Mr. Hersh claimed that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the German intelligence agency BND had coordinated to conceal US involvement, by releasing alternative stories in the media.

According to Mr. Hersh, the two intelligence agencies of the US and Germany created a story about a pro-Ukrainian group carrying out sabotage, which was then published in the US and German media. Moscow also denied the reports that Ukraine was behind the gas pipeline explosions.

Minh Thu