Will Trump Target Another Russian Pipeline?
If TurkStream ends up facing a fate similar to Nord Stream, it will demonstrate that the occupants of the White House have little influence over such matters. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
**Will TurkStream Follow Nord Stream's Fate? The Implications for U.S. Policy**
On January 11, a strike by nine Ukrainian drones targeted the “Russkaya” compressor station located near Anapa in Russia’s Krasnodar Region. This facility plays a crucial role in the TurkStream gas pipeline, which traverses the seabed of the Black Sea and surfaces north of Istanbul.
TurkStream comprises two parallel pipelines, akin to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 connections between Russia and the EU. Like Nord Stream, those pipelines experienced extensive damage due to a significant act of eco-terrorism, involving parties such as Ukraine and the U.S. in some capacity.
The drone attack on the compressor station did not succeed in its objectives. Russian air defenses intercepted the drones, and, although some minor damage occurred, the station remained operational. Nevertheless, this incident carries significant repercussions, and the narrative is still unfolding.
Following the strike, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov implicated Washington in the assault, alleging that the U.S. seeks to dismantle TurkStream in a manner similar to the Nord Stream sabotage. If Lavrov's assertions hold weight, the failed January 11 drone strike could merely mark the beginning, potentially leading to more aggressive actions—like an underwater assault on the pipelines akin to what occurred with Nord Stream in September 2022.
Understanding the broader context is vital here. Earlier this year, Russia halted gas flow through pipelines via Ukraine to the EU after Kyiv declined to renew a transit agreement.
This development left TurkStream as the sole pipeline transporting gas from Russia to the EU, primarily supplying Hungary. Lavrov contends that the U.S. aims to incite its Ukrainian allies to undermine this last operational link, not only to target Russia but also to disrupt the EU's economy.
It remains uncertain whether a deliberate U.S. initiative to sabotage TurkStream exists, and if so, to what extent it will manifest—unless, perhaps, we are greeted with news of unexplained explosions beneath the Black Sea. Nevertheless, Lavrov's perspective and cautionary notes deserve serious consideration, particularly from Washington's European partners.
Several factors reinforce this sentiment. First, the events surrounding Nord Stream illustrated that the U.S. and Ukraine impose no boundaries, even among supposed allies. Equally important was the aftermath of the Nord Stream incident: almost no consequences ensued for those involved, leading to a protracted blame game directed at Russia while European countries scrambled to mitigate the fallout from their allies' actions.
As the narrative of denial and disinformation deteriorated, a few Ukrainians were momentarily held accountable, yet none were ever arrested, conveniently absolving Washington from responsibility. This convoluted situation defies logic, yet it underscores how Western elites and mainstream media often eschew rational discourse. Ultimately, their inaction in safeguarding national interests and retaliating against an overt aggression may have emboldened the aggressors.
Adding to this complexity is Donald Trump. The former president’s commitment to achieving U.S. “energy dominance” encompasses various domestic priorities, including favoring the fossil fuel sector—beneficial to his campaign funding—and loosening environmental regulations. However, this agenda also holds international ramifications. Trump continues and amplifies his predecessor Joe Biden's initiative to compel European nations to purchase costly American liquefied natural gas.
Utilizing punitive tariffs as leverage, Trump aims to increase LNG exports to Europe, representing a continuation of Washington's economic warfare strategy. While the confrontation with Russia has yielded adverse outcomes for the U.S., the maneuver against its own NATO-EU allies has proven effective.
As of 2021, a significant portion of the EU's gas supplies—47%—originated from Russia. Europeans have willingly compromised their economic stability, deepening their reliance on U.S. energy. From Washington's self-serving standpoint, this situation is advantageous, provided that the Europeans don’t rise against it, which seems unlikely.
Finally, there is a broader context to consider. During a more extended press conference regarding Russian diplomacy, Lavrov reiterated his concerns over Washington's overall stance toward other nations and the world at large. A central theme is that the U.S. fundamentally rejects the notion of equality among sovereign states, opting instead for a policy of relentless domination, interference, and often devastating military action. Lavrov succinctly articulated that the U.S. does not recognize any “competitor in any sphere.”
Washington’s aggressive pursuit of control over energy resources and infrastructure reinforces this strategic approach, which appears deeply embedded in the mindset of America's elite. They seem incapable of envisioning any approach that isn't confrontational. If Trump aims to fortify American global standing, Lavrov cautions that the world should closely monitor the methods he will employ.
The fate of TurkStream will serve as a litmus test. If it suffers the same fate as Nord Stream under Biden’s watch, it would signal, perhaps unsurprisingly, that who occupies the White House may ultimately be irrelevant to global diplomacy, provided U.S. foreign policy remains domineering.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
On January 11, a strike by nine Ukrainian drones targeted the “Russkaya” compressor station located near Anapa in Russia’s Krasnodar Region. This facility plays a crucial role in the TurkStream gas pipeline, which traverses the seabed of the Black Sea and surfaces north of Istanbul.
TurkStream comprises two parallel pipelines, akin to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 connections between Russia and the EU. Like Nord Stream, those pipelines experienced extensive damage due to a significant act of eco-terrorism, involving parties such as Ukraine and the U.S. in some capacity.
The drone attack on the compressor station did not succeed in its objectives. Russian air defenses intercepted the drones, and, although some minor damage occurred, the station remained operational. Nevertheless, this incident carries significant repercussions, and the narrative is still unfolding.
Following the strike, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov implicated Washington in the assault, alleging that the U.S. seeks to dismantle TurkStream in a manner similar to the Nord Stream sabotage. If Lavrov's assertions hold weight, the failed January 11 drone strike could merely mark the beginning, potentially leading to more aggressive actions—like an underwater assault on the pipelines akin to what occurred with Nord Stream in September 2022.
Understanding the broader context is vital here. Earlier this year, Russia halted gas flow through pipelines via Ukraine to the EU after Kyiv declined to renew a transit agreement.
This development left TurkStream as the sole pipeline transporting gas from Russia to the EU, primarily supplying Hungary. Lavrov contends that the U.S. aims to incite its Ukrainian allies to undermine this last operational link, not only to target Russia but also to disrupt the EU's economy.
It remains uncertain whether a deliberate U.S. initiative to sabotage TurkStream exists, and if so, to what extent it will manifest—unless, perhaps, we are greeted with news of unexplained explosions beneath the Black Sea. Nevertheless, Lavrov's perspective and cautionary notes deserve serious consideration, particularly from Washington's European partners.
Several factors reinforce this sentiment. First, the events surrounding Nord Stream illustrated that the U.S. and Ukraine impose no boundaries, even among supposed allies. Equally important was the aftermath of the Nord Stream incident: almost no consequences ensued for those involved, leading to a protracted blame game directed at Russia while European countries scrambled to mitigate the fallout from their allies' actions.
As the narrative of denial and disinformation deteriorated, a few Ukrainians were momentarily held accountable, yet none were ever arrested, conveniently absolving Washington from responsibility. This convoluted situation defies logic, yet it underscores how Western elites and mainstream media often eschew rational discourse. Ultimately, their inaction in safeguarding national interests and retaliating against an overt aggression may have emboldened the aggressors.
Adding to this complexity is Donald Trump. The former president’s commitment to achieving U.S. “energy dominance” encompasses various domestic priorities, including favoring the fossil fuel sector—beneficial to his campaign funding—and loosening environmental regulations. However, this agenda also holds international ramifications. Trump continues and amplifies his predecessor Joe Biden's initiative to compel European nations to purchase costly American liquefied natural gas.
Utilizing punitive tariffs as leverage, Trump aims to increase LNG exports to Europe, representing a continuation of Washington's economic warfare strategy. While the confrontation with Russia has yielded adverse outcomes for the U.S., the maneuver against its own NATO-EU allies has proven effective.
As of 2021, a significant portion of the EU's gas supplies—47%—originated from Russia. Europeans have willingly compromised their economic stability, deepening their reliance on U.S. energy. From Washington's self-serving standpoint, this situation is advantageous, provided that the Europeans don’t rise against it, which seems unlikely.
Finally, there is a broader context to consider. During a more extended press conference regarding Russian diplomacy, Lavrov reiterated his concerns over Washington's overall stance toward other nations and the world at large. A central theme is that the U.S. fundamentally rejects the notion of equality among sovereign states, opting instead for a policy of relentless domination, interference, and often devastating military action. Lavrov succinctly articulated that the U.S. does not recognize any “competitor in any sphere.”
Washington’s aggressive pursuit of control over energy resources and infrastructure reinforces this strategic approach, which appears deeply embedded in the mindset of America's elite. They seem incapable of envisioning any approach that isn't confrontational. If Trump aims to fortify American global standing, Lavrov cautions that the world should closely monitor the methods he will employ.
The fate of TurkStream will serve as a litmus test. If it suffers the same fate as Nord Stream under Biden’s watch, it would signal, perhaps unsurprisingly, that who occupies the White House may ultimately be irrelevant to global diplomacy, provided U.S. foreign policy remains domineering.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
