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Russia Accuses US of Sabotaging TurkStream Amid Rising Tensions in Ukraine Conflict
Sergey Lavrov accuses the US of backing attacks on TurkStream, the sole pipeline for Russian gas to Europe, amid rising Russia-Ukraine tensions and cross-border assaults.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-14
Russia Accuses US of Sabotaging TurkStream Amid Rising Tensions in Ukraine Conflict

Russia has accused the United States of attempting to sabotage TurkStream, the last remaining pipeline carrying Russian gas to Europe, amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the allegations during a press conference on Tuesday, claiming that Washington was not only seeking to undermine Russian energy exports but was also encouraging "terrorist" activities aimed at damaging European energy security. He accused the US of endorsing attacks against Russia’s energy infrastructure, particularly in light of the recent downing of nine Ukrainian drones targeting TurkStream.

"Terrorist Attacks on Energy Infrastructure"

Lavrov emphasized that the US has a history of opposing competition in the global energy market. He pointed out the US's support for Ukrainian operations targeting Russian pipelines and infrastructure, following the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in September 2022. Lavrov alleged that Washington is directing Ukrainian forces to disable TurkStream, which runs beneath the Black Sea, through Turkey, and onwards to Hungary and Austria.

"The US does not tolerate competition in any sphere, including energy. They are recklessly endorsing terrorist activities aimed at undermining the energy stability of the European Union," Lavrov stated, referring to the damage caused to Nord Stream last year.

Ukraine’s Air Attacks on Russia

Simultaneously, Ukraine launched a major airstrike against Russian targets, hitting multiple industrial facilities, weapon production plants, and oil refineries. Media reports indicated that hundreds of drones and missiles were fired, with several cities experiencing significant damage, including Kazan, Saratov, and Bryansk.

Russian authorities reported the downing of more than 200 Ukrainian drones and five US-made ATACMS missiles. Ukraine’s Centre Against Disinformation claimed that the strikes were intended to disrupt Russia’s military production capabilities.

One of the most notable incidents was a drone attack on a gas storage tank in Tatarstan, which led to significant fires and smoke plumes in the region. In Engels, south-west of Kazan, two industrial sites were damaged, and schools in Saratov and Engels switched to online classes as a result of the attacks.

Impact on European Energy Security

The disruption of TurkStream, the final Russian gas pipeline into Europe, has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing energy crisis in Europe. Following the end of its gas transit deal with Ukraine in late 2024, TurkStream has become a vital energy lifeline for several EU nations. However, Russia’s recent allegations against the US highlight the precarious situation for European energy security amid the ongoing conflict.

US Involvement and European Gas Crisis

The US has been vocal in its support for Ukraine throughout the conflict, providing significant military and economic assistance. This support, coupled with efforts to push European nations to increase their imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG), has led to heightened tensions with Russia.

As the conflict continues to unfold, both Moscow and Kyiv are intensifying their military actions, hoping to strengthen their positions before potential negotiations. With US President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office on January 20, the outcome of his policies toward Ukraine and European energy security remains uncertain.

 
Tagged:

Russia

US

UkraineConflict

EnergyTerrorism

TurkStream
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