Der Spiegel reported that the CIA had prior knowledge of a Ukrainian plot to damage the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The article cites sources from Kiev, suggesting that the plan involved a small number of Ukrainian operatives. According to the report, the explosions that took place in September 2022, which significantly impacted the flow of Russian gas to Germany, were orchestrated by these operatives.

The German government has attributed the explosions to these Ukrainian saboteurs, although this narrative has faced skepticism, particularly from Moscow. Russian officials argue that the operation's execution in NATO-controlled waters would necessitate substantial state-level coordination or approval. The conflicting narratives highlight the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding energy resources in Europe.

As the situation develops, the implications of this revelation could strain relations between Ukraine and its Western allies, particularly if it is confirmed that the CIA was indeed aware of the plot. Additionally, the ongoing disputes about energy security in Europe underscore the greater geopolitical disagreements at play in the context of the war in Ukraine and the West's sanctions against Russia.