The podcast discusses Ukraine's sabotage of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline, including the involvement of Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. It explores the controversy surrounding the operation and the imprisonment of Colonel Roman Shravinsky. The chapter also highlights the Biden administration's lack of response and the oddities of the war in Ukraine.
The recent sabotage of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline by Ukrainian commandos highlights Ukraine's history of covert operations against Russia and the tensions between military and political leadership.
The destruction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline served to hasten the decoupling of Europe from Russian energy sources, ensuring the West's independence and reducing Ukraine's opposition to the pipeline.
Deep dives
The Nord Stream 2 Sabotage: A Critical Attack on Russian Infrastructure
In September 2022, a major explosion severed three of the four pipelines in the Nord Stream 2 natural gas network, which runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Initially, there was speculation that the Russians were behind the sabotage as a form of blackmail or state terrorism against the West. However, recent reporting indicates that a team of Ukrainian commandos rented a sailboat, sailed to the pipelines, and planted explosive charges on them. These Ukrainian saboteurs, believed to be part of the Special Operations Forces, executed a sophisticated operation that lasted several months, ultimately severing the pipelines. While President Zelensky did not directly authorize the operation, it aligns with Ukraine's history of covert operations against Russia since the invasion in 2022. The incident has generated controversy, with defenders of Colonel Roman Chervinsky, the alleged coordinator of the attack, claiming that he was acting in Ukraine's best interests and following orders from General Valerie Ziluzhny, the chief of staff of Ukraine's armed forces.
The Complex Motivations Behind the Nord Stream Sabotage
The destruction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had economic and strategic motivations for Ukraine. Ukraine opposed the pipeline as it bypassed their country and reduced transit fees. The sabotage served to hasten the decoupling of Europe from Russian energy, ensuring that there would be no renegotiation with Russia and cementing a future where the West is not dependent on Russian gas. Though the Biden administration did not approve of the operation, they did not condemn Ukraine for it, acknowledging the potential benefits of disrupting Russian energy flows. The absence of a major controversy around the sabotage suggests that many officials are privately glad that the pipeline is out of commission, even if they cannot publicly endorse the action.
The Role of President Zelensky and Covert Operations in Ukraine
The extent of President Zelensky's knowledge and involvement in the Nord Stream sabotage remains unclear. While some reports indicate that Zelensky was not aware of the operation, there is a broader understanding that Ukraine undertakes covert operations to defend its interests and disrupt Russia since the invasion in 2022. The tensions between Ukraine's security and military establishment and its political leadership further complicate the situation. Defenders of Colonel Roman Chervinsky argue that he was following orders and acting in Ukraine's interests. The lack of condemnation from the Biden administration and the broader acceptance of Ukraine's covert operations indicate a willingness to push back against Russia and decouple from Russian energy sources.
The Controversies and Palace Intrigue Surrounding the Sabotage Operation
The Nord Stream sabotage has stirred up tensions within Ukraine, with differing opinions on the responsibility and motivations of those involved. Colonel Roman Chervinsky, the alleged coordinator of the attack, has a history of daring covert operations and is seen by some as a scapegoat. His defenders suggest that he was scapegoated by Zelensky's administration and not acting as a rogue agent. The tensions between Chervinsky and Zelensky's advisors, particularly Andre Yermak, highlight the deep-seated rivalries within Ukrainian politics. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has remained silent on the issue, likely due to their opposition to the Nord Stream pipeline while not explicitly condemning Ukraine for its actions. The controversy surrounding the sabotage operation reflects the complexities of managing covert operations and the palace intrigue that surrounds them.
