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Below, I will organize and explain all possible theories regarding the Nord Stream pipeline explosion, along with factual context and the evidence/problems with each theory.

Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage (2022): All Possible Theories About the Perpetrators

Overview of the Incident

On September 26, 2022, multiple underwater explosions occurred in the Baltic Sea, rendering 3 of 4 Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline sections unusable.

Denmark, Germany, and Sweden confirmed in letters to the UN Security Council that "powerful explosions caused by sabotage" were responsible.

On November 18, 2022, Swedish authorities reported that "foreign substances" containing explosive residue were discovered near the site.

Main Theories

[Theory 1] Ukrainian Involvement (Currently Most Advanced in Investigation)

★ Current Investigation Status

On August 27, 2025, collaborative investigative reports by prominent German newspapers Die Zeit, ARD, and Süddeutsche Zeitung revealed that German authorities had issued arrest warrants for 6 Ukrainian nationals in connection with the Nord Stream sabotage.

On August 21, 2025, Italian police arrested a Ukrainian male suspect on the basis of an EU arrest warrant issued by German authorities. In November, he was transferred to Germany, and on July 2, 2026, German prosecutors formally charged him.

Furthermore, on August 19, 2026, the Federal Prosecutor's Office of Germany announced that a second suspect was arrested in Croatia and would be extradited to Germany. This second suspect is reportedly a Ukrainian national and scuba diver.

★ Contents of the Indictment

According to the German indictment, the primary suspect Serhii K (Serhii Kuznietsov) was a Ukrainian military officer at the time of 2022. Using forged passports, he led a team of divers, boat captains, and explosives experts into Germany. Using falsified documents, he rented a boat and, via international waters near Bornholm Island in Denmark, traveled to the Baltic Sea seabed pipelines where he installed military explosives and set timed fuses, according to prosecutors.

Kuznietsov reportedly rented a yacht using forged documents and departed from Rostock port, but denies involvement in the sabotage.

★ Regarding President Zelensky's Involvement

German authorities have indicated that a Ukrainian group carried out the operation and that President Zelensky approved the operation. However, President Zelensky has repeatedly denied his country's involvement, telling German newspaper Bild, "I would absolutely never do such a thing."

★ The "Independent Operation Without Zelensky's Knowledge" Perspective

The Washington Post reported that Roman Chervinsky, a Ukrainian special forces commander, bore primary operational responsibility and was under the command chain of Ukrainian military commander-in-chief General Valeriy Zaluzhnyy. The report also suggested that Zelensky was intentionally kept out of the loop on this operation.

According to other reports, those who carried out the sabotage consisted of former intelligence agency (SBU/GUR) operatives forming a group called the "Startup," centered on former operatives fired by Zelensky for political reasons in 2020-21.

★ Problems and Criticisms

• If Ukraine is suspected of attacking European energy infrastructure, Western support could be jeopardized, which would actually benefit Russia.

• The Ukrainian government has consistently denied involvement, and full details await clarification through trial.

[Theory 2] American (+Norwegian) Involvement

★ Seymour Hersh's Report

Seymour Hersh, an American investigative journalist with Pulitzer Prize experience, reported in February 2023 that "the Biden administration had the NSA, military, and CIA, with cooperation from the Norwegian government, use NATO naval exercises 'BALTOPS22' as cover to plant C4 explosives on the pipelines and remotely detonate them."

According to Hersh, Biden had clear motivation: he feared that Germany, facing severe economic difficulties from the war with Russia, would lift sanctions on Russia and resume importing Russian gas.

Hersh also argued that destroying Nord Stream would achieve a long-standing U.S. goal of making the EU dependent on American LNG imports.

★ Problems and Criticisms

• The White House dismissed Hersh's reporting as "fiction."

• Hersh stated that Norwegian Navy Alba-class minesweepers were used, but the two operational at the time did not participate in BALTOPS22, and it was confirmed that neither was in the Baltic Sea at the time.

• While Hersh's theory is conceptually plausible, there is insufficient evidence supporting it.

[Theory 3] Russian False Flag Operation

★ Rationale

• Russia did not destroy all pipelines, and there was a possible intention to demonstrate willingness to continue natural gas supply, thereby removing Germany from the circle of Ukrainian support. Additionally, the Russian Navy possesses the technical capability to conduct this type of sabotage.

• Pipeline destruction allowed Gazprom to avoid compensation claims for undelivered gas. Some analysts suggest Russia aimed for a "two birds with one stone" outcome.

• Some experts do not rule out the possibility of a Russian false flag operation designed to deliberately direct blame toward Ukraine. Andreas Umland of the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies stated that "Russia is most suspicious."

★ Problems

• Russia has difficulty explaining why it would destroy its own assets (total construction cost $19 billion) that it invested heavily in for years.

• The Kremlin strongly denies involvement.

[Theory 4] British Involvement

Some suggest involvement by the British military or MI6. Russian media and the Putin administration have made this claim, but the British government denies it, and no concrete evidence supporting this has been confirmed in investigations to date.

Current Investigation Status by Country

Germany continues its investigation, though few details have been made public. Denmark and Sweden ended their investigations in 2024, stating they lacked sufficient grounds to identify perpetrators.

The German Federal Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating 7 Ukrainian nationals.

Meanwhile, Poland's National Security Bureau director and Prime Minister Tusk opposed extradition of the arrested Ukrainian suspect, stating it was "not in Poland's national interest."

Summary and Assessment

Presently, German judicial proceedings are progressing in a direction most strongly suggesting Ukrainian involvement, but questions remain about the highest levels of the chain of command (whether President Zelensky approved), and potential involvement or acquiescence by other countries (particularly the US). The full scope of the incident remains partly mysterious, with the trial's outcome being the greatest focal point going forward.

The Nord Stream destruction is an internationally notable incident with various speculation and possibilities. Below are several possible theories; however, these are merely hypotheses without definitive confirmation.

1. National Involvement:

• Russia: Self-sabotage to emphasize its own influence.
• Other Nations: Manipulation of energy supply with intent to impose sanctions on Russia.

2. Non-State Actors:

• Terrorist Groups: Creating chaos and gaining political advantage.
• Independent Operatives: Third parties providing funding or pursuing political objectives.

3. Corporate Involvement:

• Competing Companies: Gaining advantageous market position in the energy sector.

4. Internal Involvement:

• Internal Dissidents: Possible destructive activities from within opposing government or organizational policy.

5. Crisis Actor Theory:

• Possible false event designed to escalate external international tensions.

These scenarios are merely speculative, and judgment based on investigation results is necessary. The details of the incident, evidence, and judgments based on official investigation results are most important.

As of September 1, 2026, the perpetrator of the Nord Stream pipeline destruction that occurred in September 2022 has not been definitively identified. However, multiple investigations and reports have revealed several possible theories. Denmark, Germany, and Sweden have each initiated investigations, and the incident has been determined to be caused by sabotage.

The main possibilities and related information are as follows.

1. Ukrainian Involvement Theory

German investigations have strongly suggested the possibility of Ukrainian involvement.

• Arrest and Indictment of Ukrainian Suspects:
• On June 30, 2026, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office indicted Serhii K (Serhii K), a Ukrainian national. He is a Ukrainian military officer who allegedly planned the Nord Stream destruction operation upon commission from Ukrainian state agencies. According to prosecutors, the operation's purpose was to permanently halt gas supply through the pipeline and prevent Russia from using natural gas trade revenue to finance its war effort.
• Suspect Serhii K was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and transferred to Germany in November 2025. He is believed to be a member of the explosives installation team.
• In August 2026, another Ukrainian suspect, Vladimir Z (Vladimir Z), was arrested in Croatia. He is a skilled scuba diver believed to be a member of the group that installed explosives.
• These suspects allegedly used forged passports to enter Germany via Rostock port, rented a yacht called "Andromeda," departed into the Baltic Sea via Danish waters near Bornholm Island, and installed explosives on the submarine pipelines with timed detonators. Traces of explosives have been found on the yacht.
• The Wall Street Journal reported that the operation was privately funded by Ukrainian business interests and executed by a small number of Ukrainian military officers. It was further reported that while President Zelensky initially approved the operation, he later attempted to halt it but was unsuccessful. Ukrainian authorities deny involvement.
• Some argue Ukraine lacked the capability to conduct this operation independently. However, some reports suggest it demonstrated Ukraine's ability to achieve significant results in asymmetric warfare.

2. Russian Involvement Theory

Soon after the incident, many Western experts and politicians considered Russia the most likely suspect.

• Russian Motivation: Russia had weaponized energy supply to Europe, and pipeline destruction would worsen Europe's energy crisis and exert political pressure, according to analysts citing Russian motivation.
• Russian Naval Activity: In March 2023, it was reported that Russian naval activity occurred days before the Nord Stream pipeline explosion.
• Russia's Denial: Russia has consistently denied involvement in sabotage, requesting an international investigation that was subsequently rejected at the UN Security Council.

3. US Involvement Theory

Some theories suggest US involvement.

• US Motivation: Former President Donald Trump previously stated that Nord Stream 2 could make Europe a hostage to Russia, and the Biden administration strongly opposed the pipeline's opening.
• Conspiracy Theories: Social media spread theories that the US destroyed Nord Stream, but counterarguments note that the Biden administration halted Nord Stream 2 certification in February 2022, and Nord Stream 1 was already halted. Therefore, the US had no reason to destroy it.
• CIA Warning: CIA reportedly detected Ukrainian plans months before the explosion and warned to halt them.

4. Other Possibilities

August Hanning, former head of German intelligence, stated in late 2022 that Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Britain, and the United States all had legitimate interests in disabling the pipeline. In August 2024, Hanning stated confidence that an agreement existed between President Zelensky and Polish President Duda to destroy Nord Stream.

Investigation Status

• Denmark, Germany, and Sweden each initiated separate investigations and determined the explosions resulted from sabotage.
• Sweden and Denmark concluded their investigations and have not released results publicly. Germany continues investigation with concrete progress.
• In July 2026, London's High Court ruled that the Russia-Ukraine war was a significant contributing cause to the sabotage, while determining that although the specific perpetrator could not be identified, governments were involved. The court rejected Nord Stream pipeline insurance claims.

Currently, German investigations suggest strong possibility of Ukrainian state agency involvement, with multiple Ukrainian suspects arrested and charged. However, these allegations require legal verification, and no official conclusions have been reached.

Regarding the Nord Stream (Nord Stream) pipeline destruction (September 2022 explosion/sabotage), here is a summary of the main possibilities and investigation status as of 2026. German federal prosecutor investigations are most advanced, with multiple Ukrainian suspects identified and charged, though complete resolution has not been reached. Swedish and Danish investigations concluded by 2024 without identifying suspects.

1. Ukrainian State/Military Operation (German Prosecutors' Primary Assessment)

The German Federal Prosecutor's Office charged Ukrainian national Serhii K. (also recorded as Serhiy Kuznietsov, a Ukrainian military officer) in June-July 2026. The charge alleges he carried out Nord Stream 1 and 2 destruction upon orders from Ukrainian state agencies.

• Details: In 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion, Serhii K and military-related individuals allegedly planned under state agency direction. Using a chartered yacht "Andromeda" from Rostock, Germany as a base, professional divers installed timed bombs on the seabed (using military explosives HMX/RDX). On September 26, explosions caused severe damage to 3 pipeline sections.
• Motivation: Permanently cutting Russia's natural gas revenue stream to halt war financing.
• Progress: Serhii K arrested in Italy August 2025, transferred to Germany November 2025, charged July 2026. A second suspect Vladimir Z (Volodymyr Zhuravlov, diver) arrested in Croatia August 2026. Approximately 7 suspects identified in investigation; one reportedly deceased.
• Evidence Points: Traces from yacht (explosive residue), forged ID usage, diver involvement. German Federal Court also indicated "high likelihood of state involvement" in certain cases.
• Ukrainian Response: Denies state involvement. States "facts cannot be confirmed" and has indicated intent to request establishment of joint investigation team with Germany.

This line represents the mainstream German official investigation as of 2026. Some reports suggest involvement of upper-level Ukrainian military (then-commander Valeriy Zaluzhnyy) or special forces, though direct involvement by President Zelensky remains undetermined.

2. Russian False Flag Theory

Initially, Russian military vessel movements were noted, and discussions occurred about whether Russia self-destroyed the pipeline to blame Ukraine or the West.

• Motivation: Escalate European energy crisis, disturb NATO unity, or justify halting gas supply.
• Current Status: As German investigations accumulate physical evidence pointing to Ukrainian involvement, support for this theory has weakened. Russia consistently denies involvement and has blamed the US and Ukraine.

3. US (or Western Intelligence Agency) Involvement Theory

Investigative reports by figures such as Seymour Hersh promoted conspiracy theories about CIA involvement under the Biden administration.

• Motivation: Nord Stream strengthened European Russian dependence, negatively affecting US energy exports and anti-Russia sanctions.
• Current Status: US authorities strongly deny. German investigations have produced no evidence in this direction; officially unsupported. Mentioned only as "possible state involvement" in insurance litigation.

4. Non-State/Rogue Group Operations

Possibility that Ukrainian civilian divers or former military personnel conducted a "private" or semi-independent operation. Rather than direct state orders, a small special forces group may have taken the lead.

• Some reports indicate operation costs were covered by private funding, with President Zelensky potentially aware but attempting to stop the operation.
• German prosecutors claim "state agency orders," but the highest command chain (whether President Zelensky approved) remains publicly undetermined.

5. Other Possibilities

• Other Nations (e.g., Poland) Involvement: Virtually no evidence.
• Complex/False Operations: Russia hired Ukrainians to execute while leaving evidence to frame Ukraine (prosecutors dismiss this direction).
• Overall, physical executors identified as Ukrainian divers and crew, with investigation consensus on this point. The primary contested issue is who issued final orders (state level vs. rogue actors).

Summary (Late August 2026): German judicial proceedings have advanced with arrests and charges premised on Ukrainian state involvement, but the charged individuals deny involvement and the Ukrainian government has not acknowledged state involvement. Complete truth determination awaits trial proceedings and further evidence disclosure. Information may be updated as circumstances develop.