It's clear Russian President Vladimir Putin is behind the Nord Stream gas pipeline leaks and believes he can do what he wants without repercussions, which means the U.S. is in a grave situation and "may very well not get out of this without some sort of war that spreads from Ukraine west across the Eurasian landmass," Far East foreign affairs expert Gordon Chang said on Newsmax.
"There are reports that the United States was monitoring Russian activity near those pipelines and was actually concerned about sabotage," Chang said Wednesday during an appearance on "John Bachman Now."
"Also, just no other party would blow up Nord Stream 1 and 2. No other party had the capability to do that. Certainly, no other party had the incentive to do so. So, right now we're at a point where it's clear that the Russians have done this."
Three separate leaks discovered Monday in the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany were labeled by the European Union's top diplomat as a "deliberate act."
Sweden's security opened an investigation into the matter, calling the leaks "gross sabotage."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov called allegations of Russian involvement "predictably stupid and absurd," and pointed the finger at the U.S.
Chang said Putin has gotten away with similar acts in the past.
"Western governments have not punished Russia for acts of sabotage, for acts of assassination on Western soil and so, Putin believes he can do what he wants," Chang said.
"So, we're in a situation which is extremely grave. And we very well may not get out of this without some sort of war that spreads from Ukraine west across the Eurasian landmass."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.