According to four sources, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the operation, with all arrangements made verbally to avoid leaving a paper trail.
However, Dutch intelligence discovered the plot and warned the CIA, which informed German officials. Though Zelenskyy ordered the operation halted, the general reportedly ignored this directive, citing operational security. His team proceeded with a modified plan.
Zaluzhnyi involved elite special operations officers with extensive experience in high-risk covert missions against Russia, according to the report.
One of them was former intelligence officer Roman Chervinsky, who is currently on trial in connection with the missile strike on Kanatove airfield.
Chervinsky was released on bail in July after more than a year in custody.
When contacted following his release, he declined to comment on the Nord Stream case, stating he wasn’t authorized to discuss it.
Three unnamed sources said Zaluzhnyi explained to Zelenskyy that once the sabotage group was deployed, they were out of communication with the outside world and couldn’t be recalled, as any contact could compromise the operation.
Zaluzhnyi has denied any knowledge of such an operation, calling the allegations “simple provocation” and emphasizing that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are not authorized to carry out overseas missions.
Ukrainian officials involved in the operation believe it’s impossible to hold any commanders accountable, as there is no evidence aside from conversations between high-ranking officials.
