Explosive traces found on yacht in Nord Stream sabotage probe

Media reports in March suggested a pro-Ukraine group's involvement, citing that a group, including five men and a woman linked to a Ukrainian-owned company, used a yacht from Rostock, Germany, for the attack. German prosecutors confirmed searching a boat in January, suspected of transporting explosives for the pipeline sabotage.

The letter emphasized the ongoing uncertainty over the identities and motives of the perpetrators, especially concerning potential state direction. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Germany's main gas supply route until Russia halted supplies in August, and the never-operational Nord Stream 2, were both damaged. The EU initially labeled the act as deliberate, implicating Russia in manipulating gas supplies in response to Western sanctions.

The pipelines had been criticized by the U.S. and allies for risking Europe's energy security by increasing reliance on Russian gas. Russian officials, including President Putin, accused the U.S. of orchestrating the explosions, calling them a terrorist attack. Ukraine denied any involvement in the attack. The investigating countries have not commented on potential responsibility, stating that all information will be pursued in the ongoing investigations.