The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline is not only a shocking geopolitical event, but according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, it is also an example of Europe's "absolutely helplessness" in protecting its own national interests.
In an interview with TASS news agency, Mr. Grushko frankly commented: The entire Nord Stream story has clearly exposed the European countries inability to protect national interests. They must stop being bitterly swallowed by this act of sabotage".
Deputy Minister Grushko emphasized that the attack on the Nord Stream system - the Russian gas pipeline to Germany via the Baltic Sea - is a serious sabotage act that directly affects the core economic interests not only of Germany but of the whole of Europe. However, instead of thorough investigation and speaking out strongly, the EU and major European capitals have chosen to remain silent.
This is a clear act of terrorism, but Europeans accept it as if nothing has happened, Grushko said.
The statement comes as the EU looks into a new round of sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas, while stepping up efforts to wean itself off Russian energy - a move Moscow says it is shooting itself in the foot.
After the Nord Stream sabotage in September 2022, gas flows from Russia to Germany were almost completely cut off. As a result, a series of European countries have fallen into a state of energy shortage, skyrocketing electricity and gas prices, escalating living costs, businesses closing or cutting production.
Mr. Grushko warned that Europe's turn to Russian energy is not only a strategic mistake, but is also pushing the entire EU into a deeper economic crisis, affecting the lives of tens of millions of people.
The abandonment of Russian energy is a heavy blow to the EU economy and the well-being of its people. The price will be getting higher and higher, he said.
Deputy Minister Grushko's statement raises a thorny question, is Europe still independent in its security and energy policies, or is it dominated by forces outside the region?
The lack of clarification of responsibility in the Nord Stream sabotage, along with the increasing dependence on US liquefied natural gas (LNG), is sparking internal debate within the EU itself, although much of it has not been made public in the press.
