Ukrainian ambassador denies role in Nord Stream sabotage

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, has stated that no country possesses sufficient military power to prevent the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Speaking at a meeting at Chatham House, Zaluzhnyi emphasised that the war between Ukraine and Russian forces reflects a new global reality, in which traditional models of deterrence and balance of power are no longer effective, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media. 

Zaluzhnyi also addressed allegations regarding the sabotage of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. He denied any personal involvement, describing the matter as politically charged. According to him, he was not responsible for the operation and had no role in authorizing it.

The remarks come after the German magazine Der Spiegel reported, citing unnamed sources, that Zaluzhnyi had personally authorised the sabotage of the pipelines while leading Ukraine’s military, allegedly without informing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The report claimed that the decision was not coordinated with the presidential administration, which had no knowledge that the operation was underway.

By Sabina Mammadli