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Wouldn't they have had more options and leverage had they just turned it off or refuse to supply it? What does sabotaging it do that gives Russia any more advan
by swader999 3y ago
Wouldn't they have had more options and leverage had they just turned it off or refuse to supply it? What does sabotaging it do that gives Russia any more advantage?
- stickfigure 3y agoIf they can blame the US, it drives a wedge between the US and the gas consumers (Europe). The pipe wasn't in use and wasn't likely to be used anytime soon, if ever. Russia only wins if Ukraine's allies give up. I can see Putin willing to trade a useless pipeline for a chance at dismembering the alliance. The only other option that makes sense is Ukraine doing it. But it seems a high-risk strategy for low reward; at least publicly, there was no indication that Germany et al were begging Russia to turn the gas back on.
- swader999 3y agoI've heard a theory that USA did it to get Germany to fully commit to supporting the war, didn't want Russia to have leverage, wanted Germany dependant on USA for gas. Then there's the comment from Biden that foreshadowed it. I'm not convinced on any theory personally though.