According to a report in the German magazine, the US Central Intelligence Agency warned Germany about possible attacks on the natural-gas line.
According to a source with knowledge of the matter, the German government received a tip from the CIA about a possible attack on the natural-gas line from Russia to Europe. Several other people with knowledge of the matter confirmed the CIA tip, according to the magazine.
Three severe leaks were discovered on the four-pipelineNord Stream which runs from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. The damage they had sustained was "unprecedented" according to the operator.
Europe's energy crisis has worsened with gas flows from Russia to Europe all but stopped. Germany, Europe's largest economy, used to be the world's leading consumer of Russian natural-gas.
The German government does not take a public position on the activities of the intelligence services.
Insider's requests for comment from the CIA and the German government were not immediately responded to.
There were geysers of natural-gas on the surface of the Baltic Sea as a result of the leaks. There was one that covered more than 1000 meters.
European leaders suspect sabotage.
NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that he had discussed the sabotage with the defence minister of the country.
The prime minister said the actions were deliberate. It wasn't a mistake. The act was described as "sabotage" by European Union President Ursula von der Leyen.
German media reported Tuesday that government officials believed the damage to theNord Stream line was not accidental. The EU's foreign policy chief said the attacks were not a coincidence and affected everyone.
The Kremlin can't rule out sabotage.
A pollution control ship was sent to the area of the leaks to warn other vessels to stay away.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
