Russia Claims US and Ukraine Plotted Attack on TurkStream Gas Pipeline

Russia__Moscow Accuses Washington of Urging Ukraine to Sabotage Last Russian Gas Pipeline to EU

Russia has accused the United States of attempting to sabotage TurkStream, the sole remaining pipeline transporting Russian gas into Europe. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, 

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Washington is promoting “terrorist” attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure. He further alleged that plans are in motion to target the TurkStream pipeline, a critical channel for Russian gas exports to Europe, As reported by Türkiye’s Anadolu news agency.

On Monday, Russia announced that it had intercepted nine Ukrainian drones targeting TurkStream infrastructure. The pipeline remains the only route delivering Russian gas to the EU, as Ukraine declined to renew a transit contract expiring at the end of 2024.

The disruption has sparked tensions within the EU, with Slovakia warning of an impending energy crisis and threatening to block further EU support for Kyiv, Anadolu and other outlets reported.

Kyiv has yet to comment on the allegations.

Moscow has previously accused US-backed Ukrainian agents of sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline, which was damaged in an explosion beneath the Baltic Sea in September 2022.

Massive Air Attack

Ukraine launched a “massive” air attack overnight on Tuesday, striking multiple targets in Russia, according to media reports from both countries. Hundreds of drones and missiles were fired, causing damage to industrial facilities and forcing schools to close in at least three cities.

The Shot Telegram channel reported that Russia had downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones and five US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre Against Disinformation, told Ukrainian TV that the strikes targeted weapon production plants, oil refineries, and warehouses in Engels, Saratov, Kazan, Bryansk, and Tula.

In Tatarstan, a drone struck a gas storage tank, sending flames and thick smoke rising near Kazan, according to local media and the regional government.

In Engels, located more than 600km southwest of Kazan, a “massive drone attack” damaged two industrial sites, with regional Governor Roman Bussargin confirming the attack on Telegram. He also noted that schools in Saratov and Engels would shift to online classes in response to the strikes.

Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed a major missile attack by Ukraine, though he did not specify the type of missiles used, as reported by local and international agencies.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence has yet to comment on Ukraine’s recent airstrike or the weapons used in the attack.

On November 21 of last year, Ukraine fired US-supplied ATACMS and British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia, prompting Moscow to retaliate with an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, known as “Oreshnik” or Hazel Tree, aimed at Ukraine.

As the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump approaches, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their strikes, seeking to position themselves favorably before the new administration engages in potential peace talks.

Ukraine’s air force reported on Tuesday that it had downed 58 out of 80 Russian drones launched overnight across 11 regions.

While Trump has expressed intentions to end the nearly three-year conflict, uncertainty surrounds his plans regarding Washington’s support for Ukraine. However, Trump is also focused on urging European nations to purchase more US liquefied natural gas (LNG), a goal that could be advanced by further reductions in Russian gas supplies, according to multiple media outlets.