Russia had stopped gas flows on NordStream 1 26 days prior to the explosion [1]. This was after a series of reductions, stops, and restarts where they reduced

Russia had stopped gas flows on NordStream 1 26 days prior to the explosion [1]. This was after a series of reductions, stops, and restarts where they reduced flows and tried to get Germany to break sanctions to send parts. That they then ultimately rejected and wouldn't receive. E.g. [2]. When Germany offered the parts. They refused them, stopped NS1 entirely and offered to activate NS2 with Germany. [3] Germany refused and resisted the blackmail attempt. Then the explosion happened a couple of weeks later. After that Russia again offered to activate NS2 with Germany. [4] In this context, the US going ahead with the plan to demolish NS1, and leave NS2 50% operation makes zero sense. [1]: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1331710/nord-stream-physical-flows/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/1331710/nord-stream-phys... [2]: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/kremlin-says-gazprom-would-like-nord-stream-turbine-back-needs-documents-2022-08-04/ https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/kremlin-says-gazprom... [3]: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-nord-stream-closed-energy-crisis/32022453.html https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-nord-stream-closed-energy-cris... [4]: https://www.dw.com/en/putin-offers-europe-gas-through-nord-stream-2-germany-declines/a-63416138 https://www.dw.com/en/putin-offers-europe-gas-through-nord-s...