Russian Diplomat Calls NATO Training Titles Near The Nord Stream Leak Location, Including US Intelligence-controlled Zones

Maria Zakharova (Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation)

JAKARTA - Russian diplomats say the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) conducts sea exercises near the location of the leak of the Nord Stream gas pipeline network, calling it in a zone controlled by US intelligence.

In Thursday's briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said NATO member countries conducted exercises in July using deep-sea equipment near the leak site.

"In July, there was a NATO exercise using deep-sea equipment in the Bornholm island area," reported by TASS September 30.

Meanwhile, the Soloviev Live TV program Zakharova said the Nord Stream pipeline incident occurred in Denmark and Sweden's exclusive economic zones, areas fully controlled by US intelligence agencies.

"Where are the (incidents) talking about this? There are allegations that it is neutral waters and so on. But it is the exclusive economic zone of Denmark and Sweden, which is very NATO-centric, a country filled with US-made weapons and fully controlled by American intelligence agencies, which have full control over the situation there," the Russian diplomat said.

AG's Nord Stream on Tuesday reported about "unprecedented damage" on Monday, affecting three Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines registered in a few hours.

The first was identified along the Nord Stream 2 near the island of Bornholm in Denmark, and two leaks were discovered afterwards. The Danish Energy Agency said large amounts of natural gas had flowed out. Airplanes and ships are advised to stay away at least five miles away from the scene.

Later, Swiss seismologists said two explosions had been recorded along the second route of the pipeline on Monday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denounced the incident as sabotage and warned that "deliberately unacceptable disruptions will lead to a response as strong as possible."

Most recently on Thursday, the Swedish coast guard discovered another gas leak from the pipeline network.