That possibility is long gone. Damaging the Nord Stream pipeline however gives Putin reason to continue to not supply gas (rather than flat out breaking existing contracts) hence maximising the possibility for civil disruption in Europe over the Winter. The less gas there is in Europe the more chance of this occurring. No one knows for sure at this point but all these comments on this thread that there isn't reason or motive for Russia to do this is complete nonsense.

87.7% of EU gas storage is filled[1]. Which is pretty close to how it is usually every winter. Germany is at 91%.

Russia wasn't supplying gas via Nord Stream 1, claiming it needs maintenance and sanctions preventing this maintenance. Which is well...true[2]? Six turbines were stuck in Canada due to sanctions.

There are many ways to not supply gas to Germany and not break the contract that does not involve damaging nearly 20 billion dollar infrastructure (NS1 + NS2).

There a reasons and motives to do so, buy IMO none of them outweigh the damage.

> That possibility is long gone.

No, it's not. You contradict yourself in the very next sentence.

[1]: https://graphics.reuters.com/UKRAINE-CRISIS/EUROPE-GAS/zdvxo...

[2]: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-gazprom-says...

The manufacturer of those turbines themselves went to the length of making a statement that the Russian technical rationale offered was false.

There are other pipelines - and boats.

Norway is in high alert right now. Can you guess why? https://mobile.twitter.com/JavierBlas/status/157479814778362...