Nord Stream pipelines should be dismantled after Ukraine war, Polish president says

He expressed hope that European leaders will "learn lessons from Russian aggression against Ukraine" and decide never to resume the imports of Russian natural gas.

Duda argues that dismantling the pipelines would help countries like Germany avoid the temptation to once again become reliant on Moscow for energy supply.

“This is a threat in both the energy and military spheres,” the president told the BBC.

“Moreover, it poses a significant economic danger, as it implies Russian dominance over Europe.” 

On Sept. 26, 2022, three out of four pipelines of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 were destroyed by explosions in the Baltic Sea's neutral waters. Although the pipelines were not operational at the time, they were filled with technical gas.

Ukraine and Poland accused Russia of orchestrating the blasts, while the Kremlin pointed fingers at the "Anglo-Saxons" and denied any involvement.

German media, citing sources, claimed that the yacht used by the suspected saboteurs belonged to Ukrainian citizens. Reports also indicated that one of the men who rented the yacht lived in Ukraine.

Presidential Office advisor Mykhailo Podolyak denied Ukraine’s involvement in the pipeline attacks, stating, "Ukraine had nothing to do with the pipeline explosions."

In June 2023, President Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, saying, "Ukraine did not do anything like that. I would never act that way."

In February 2024, Danish authorities closed their investigation into the Nord Stream explosions, citing a lack of grounds for criminal charges. Sweden made a similar decision.