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I agree here: USA is somewhat benefiting but it would not be the main reason for blowing up the pipelines.

Russia is not benefiting at all and I find it hard to see a reason for Russia to blow up their pipelines. (but who knows, maybe Putin's mind is just different)

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If the pipeline is no longer an economic tool, it becomes a political tool. NS2 had never carried a burp of gas, and NS1 had been empty for months before it blew. Both were pressurized with inert gas to keep from collapsing.

So if Russia is paying maintenance and upkeep on two pipelines that aren't actually making them a penny, they're an economic drag. Blowing them up and blaming the UK and then the USA was a bald attempt to drive a wedge into the western alliance while simulateously cutting operational losses.

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