MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s defence ministry on Saturday said that British navy personnel blew up the Nord Stream gas pipelines last month, directly accusing a number one NATO member of sabotaging critical Russian infrastructure.
The defence ministry didn’t give evidence for its claim.
“In line with available information, representatives of this unit of the British Navy took part within the planning, provision and implementation of a terrorist attack within the Baltic Sea on September 26 this yr – blowing up the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines,” the ministry said.
Britain’s defence ministry declined immediate comment.
Russia has previously blamed the West for the explosions last month that ruptured the Russian-built Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines on the bed of the Baltic Sea.
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But Russia has never before given specific details of who was answerable for the damage to the pipelines, previously the most important routes for Russian gas supplies to Europe.
The Kremlin has repeatedly said allegations of Russian responsibility for the damage were “silly” and Russian officials have said Washington had a motive because it desires to sell more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe.
The USA has denied involvement.
(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
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