In a recent report by the German newspaper Spiegel, it has been claimed that a group of Ukrainians associated with the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines were in communication with CIA contacts as early as spring 2022. Sources close to the situation indicated that these discussions took place shortly after Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian offensive in Kyiv, where members of the Ukrainian group allegedly revealed their plans to disrupt Russian energy supplies. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the Nord Stream incident, suggesting potential foreign intelligence awareness or involvement.

The allegations are based on the testimonies of several unnamed sources in Ukraine who have previously provided accurate information, as later corroborated by German investigators. These contacts reportedly took place in the Podilskyi district of Kyiv, which has been a focal point for discussions and planning among Ukrainian military and intelligence operations during the height of the conflict. The timing of these meetings aligns with heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia, underlining the strategic importance of energy supply routes in the ongoing conflict.

This development raises important questions regarding the extent of international intelligence collaboration in the Ukrainian response to the Russian invasion. If confirmed, the connections between the Ukrainian group and the CIA could imply a more significant role of Western intelligence in shaping Ukraine’s military strategies against Russia’s infrastructure. This situation also reflects the broader geopolitical context as Ukraine seeks to undermine Russia's ability to wage war by targeting its energy resources, a strategy that has implications for European energy security and the international response to the war.