DISINFO: The US is behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines
SUMMARY
It is highly probable that the Nord Stream gas pipelines accident was caused by the US. There is evidence that a U.S. reconnaissance plane flew over the area where the Nord Stream (NS) 2 pipeline was sabotaged a few hours after the incident. Furthermore, evidence emerged that in September, US military helicopters often flew over the water area through which the gas pipelines pass. The Pentagon declined to comment on the information.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the US is behind the September leaks in the NS 1 and NS 2 gas pipelines. There is no evidence provided to support the claim.
Sweden, Germany and Denmark have initiated investigations to find the cause of the leaks. Sweden and Denmark, in whose exclusive economic zone the accident occurred, are investigating the sites. Sweden’s authorities found evidence of detonations, thus strengthening suspicions of "gross sabotage. However, this is only an initial step in understanding who is responsible for the sabotage. With the evidence available at the moment, any accusation is mere speculation and conspiracy theory.
Russia’s accusations fit well in the often-utilised tactic of spreading as many explanations or allegations as possible, thus creating conspiracy theories surrounding a specific issue in order to muddy the waters and see what sticks. Pro-Kremlin media sharing baseless claims alleging that the leaks benefit Poland, the US or Ukraine, is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17.
Regarding the Russian claims that a US helicopter might be involved in causing the leaks, the Kremlin manipulatively used FlightRadar24 information in order to provide evidence of the alleged U.S. involvement. According to FlightRadar24, at the time of the accident, the U.S. military helicopter was at least 250 km to the east from the reported area of the leaks.
For a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the issue, please read Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?. See other cases, claiming that The US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the Nord Stream 2 project and US benefits from Nord Stream sabotage.