Damaging the pipeline destroys a major source of Russian leverage against Germany. And now that they're desperate enough to play the nuclear card with a "this is not a bluff" chaser, it's pretty obvious that they need all the leverage they can get.
Re:Gas Leak in the Baltic Sea
by howmayiannoyyou on Tuesday September 27, 2022 @11:24AM
(#32996551)
Russia already supplied Germany via Ukrainian and Belarus pipelines. NS1 & NS2 were supplying nothing prior to this incident. Russia has lost nothing in leverage, but Putin has now gained leverage internally over energy interests who view this war (and Putin) as bad for business. Strategic narcissism is focusing on Putin's threats to the West, over his internal challenge of remaining in power.
> Russia has lost nothing in leverage
Russia has lost the option to provide extra of that much needed gas to Europe, along with billions and years of investments into that infrastructure.
> but Putin has now gained leverage internally
What exactly is this "internal leverage" and how is it supposed to work? Sorry, but this is really vague and unclear.
There is disagreement, conflict even, between Putin and his energy sector. Effectively destroying these pipelines is a pure-Putin way of reminding disgruntled Russian elite whose still in-charge.
If not Putin, the UK, who desperately wants Germany to confront Russia, free of hopes not doing so will magically open NS1 or NS2.