European leaders say sabotage is to blame for the Nord Stream pipeline leaks in the Baltic Sea, according to The Guardian. Retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, professor of practice at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School for professional public policy and deputy director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law, reacted to this news. He writes:
Robert Murrett
“While there are many unknowns regarding the underwater explosions and three breaks in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, it is highly unlikely that these events are not related, as all three events took place on one day. While neither pipeline was in active operation at the time of the incidents, there are several nations impacted: Russia, Germany, Sweden, Poland, and not in the least Denmark, as all three leakages are in the vicinity of Bornholm Island.
If this was a deliberate action, we can only speculate on the motive. Having said that, there is considerable underwater surveillance, engineering and naval operational experience and capability in the waters of the western Baltic Sea. Moreover, the European Union and NATO Alliance will be following developments here very closely, as reflected in the visit by the Danish Defense Minister with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today.”
You can review further commentary from him by clicking here.
If you’d like to schedule an interview with Vice Adm. Murrett, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, Syracuse University Media Relations Specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu. You can read more about his background and publications he’s been featured in here.
