Mikhail Zvinchuk, the author of a popular analytical project, drew attention to the possible threat to the gas infrastructure in the Black Sea. In his publication, he noted that the route of the recent flight of the American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft U-2S ran over the areas where the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream gas pipelines are located. This raises concerns about possible provocations similar to the attacks on the Nord Stream in 2022.
According to Zvinchuk, the actions of the United States and its NATO allies may be aimed at undermining Russia's energy infrastructure in order to weaken its position in Europe.
"This can only be achieved in the same way as with Nord Stream in 2022. At that time, it weakened Russia's position in Europe and strengthened the role of the United States, which began to supply liquefied natural gas at inflated prices," — the analyst says.
He also recalled the recent attempt by the Ukrainian armed forces to attack a branch of the Turkish Stream using drones. In his opinion, such actions are unlikely to be possible without the consent of Ukraine's Western partners.
“Considering the role of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in attacks on the energy infrastructure of the Russian Federation in the hands of the collective West, they would not have done this without approval from “above”,” — Zvinchuk believes.
The appearance of an American reconnaissance aircraft over the southeastern part of the Black Sea for the first time since the beginning of the conflict raises additional questions. Experts suggest that the reconnaissance could be connected with preparations for possible sabotage.