The High Court of London ruled that insurance companies do not have… (северный · поток · страховой)
The High Court of London ruled that insurance companies do not have to pay Nord Stream AG compensation for the damage caused by the sabotage of both pipelines in September 2022, stating the destruction was directly or indirectly linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The court rejected Nord Stream's claim for €580 million, citing an exclusion clause related to war-related incidents.
Consensus
- The High Court of London ruled that insurance companies do not have to pay compensation to Nord Stream AG for the sabotage of the 'Nord Stream' pipelines.
- The sabotage occurred on September 26, 2022, affecting both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
- The court found that the damage was directly or indirectly caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, thus falling under an exclusion clause in the insurance policy.
- Nord Stream AG had claimed €580 million in compensation for the destruction of both pipeline lines.
- Insurance companies involved include Lloyd's of London and Arch Insurance.
- The court did not determine which party was responsible for the sabotage.
- No state has officially taken responsibility for the attacks.
Points of divergence
- Nord Stream AG argued that the war was merely a backdrop or pretext, and that the sabotage could have been carried out by non-state actors not motivated by the conflict. — meduza
- The court proceedings lasted five weeks and concluded on May 21, 2026; the ruling was issued on July 6, 2026. — fontanka
- One line of Nord Stream 2 remained undamaged but Germany did not put it into operation. Restoration could take about three years if financing is timely and no major delays occur. — vedomosti
- In August 2025, former SBU employee Sergey Kuznetsov was detained on suspicion of involvement in the sabotage; German federal prosecutors stated he led the operation. — kommersant
- On July 2, Tino Chrupalla (AfD) claimed there is enough evidence to stop military aid to Ukraine. Sара Wagenknecht called for Ukrainian President Zelensky to be summoned to Germany for clarification. — vesti
Coverage (5 sources)
- Operator of the 'Nord Stream' pipelines denied compensation for pipeline sabotage — Meduza
- London Court Denies Nord Stream AG Insurance Compensation in Pipeline Sabotage Case — Фонтанка
- Court denies Nord Stream AG insurance claim in 'Nord Stream' case — Ведомости
- Court denies compensation to Nord Stream 2 operator for sabotage — Коммерсантъ
- Nord Stream AG Denied Compensation in Pipeline Sabotage Case — Вести