> In the Russians' mind it gives them the "moral high ground" rather than humiliation and makes out the West to be the villain. This is typical Russian logic.

I am not a Russian, but would highly advise you to carefully choose your words about any nation and their beliefs/logic.

> On the other side there is no rational reason for the West to destroy the pipelines

If you can't find reason, doesn't mean there is no reason. I could also ask same question there was no reason for NATO expansion because war ended, no reason for EU/US not to support diplomatic actions, instead of pushing to the war.