Putin says Russia has intel on possible explosion targeting Black Sea gas pipelines, targets ‘anti-peace forces’

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with widows of Russian special forces soldiers on Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow on February 23, 2026. (Photo by Mikhail METZEL / POOL / AFP)

Putin claims Moscow has intelligence on possible sabotage attempts targeting Russian gas pipelines under the Black Sea, warning such actions could derail US-mediated Ukraine peace talks. He accused Ukraine of terror and said negotiations remain fragile amid ongoing tensions.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed that Moscow has intelligence inputs pointing to possible attempts to sabotage major Russian gas pipelines running under the Black Sea, warning that such actions could be aimed at derailing peace efforts linked to the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a meeting of the board of Russia’s Federal Security Service or FSB, Putin said Russian security agencies had received operational information suggesting preparations for an explosion targeting underwater gas infrastructure.

“Our operational information is being reported. It concerns a possible explosion of our gas systems at the bottom of the Black Sea,” Putin said.

Claim linked to ongoing peace efforts

Putin alleged that the suspected sabotage plans were intended to undermine diplomatic efforts, particularly talks being facilitated by the United States, to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

“They’re doing everything they can to disrupt the peace process,” he said, adding that forces opposed to negotiations were actively seeking to prevent any diplomatic breakthrough.

US-mediated contacts between Moscow and Kyiv have continued in recent weeks, although progress has remained limited due to disagreements over territory, security guarantees and the terms of any ceasefire.

Strategic pipelines in focus

The Russian president specifically mentioned the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines, which transport Russian natural gas under the Black Sea directly to Turkey.

Both pipelines are strategically important for Russia as they allow gas exports to bypass Ukrainian territory, reducing Moscow’s reliance on transit routes through Ukraine.

Accusations against Ukraine

During his remarks, Putin also accused Ukraine of engaging in what he described as “individual and mass terror”, reiterating Moscow’s long-standing allegations of Ukrainian sabotage operations.

Russia has previously cited alleged Ukrainian attacks and plots as justification for tightening security measures and escalating military actions.

Past allegations and rising tensions

In late December, following talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Florida, Moscow claimed that Ukraine had attempted a drone strike on Putin’s residence in Valdai.

That allegation was later dismissed by Trump.

Tensions rose again earlier this month after Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev was shot multiple times in Moscow. Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for the attack, an accusation that Kyiv denied.

Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that the incident nearly caused negotiations to collapse, citing unnamed sources.

Talks expected despite fragile atmosphere

Another round of negotiations is tentatively expected between February 26 and 27, although the Kremlin has not officially confirmed the schedule.

If held, it would mark the fourth round of talks since January, taking place amid ongoing fighting and deep mistrust on both sides, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain fragile.