Once again, this will not be an article that is well received by many, perhaps most. It's natural to want to blame a known person or group when bad things happen. This time, we need to dig deeper.
https://jdrucker.substack.com/p/what-if-nearly-everyone-is-wrong
Keep in mind that Ukraine receives a $3 Billion annual income for Russian gas pipeline transit fees across Ukraine to Europe.
If the Nord Stream II gas pipeline went into full service, the Russian gas pipelines crossing Ukraine would either be taken out of service, or drastically cut back in flow rate. Ukraine would lose $3 Billion per year in gas pipeline income.
With the destruction of Nord Stream II, Ukraine gas pipelines are vital and the income can continue for years to come.
Note: It probably cost less to destroy the Nord Stream Two pipeline than Ukraine makes in 2 weeks of pipeline transit fees. Follow the money?
...as long as the American Empire is propping up the Ukrainian regime, 3 billion is chump change....
You are right. $3 Billion isn't a lot... but consider that it is $3 Billion paid by Russia and received by Ukraine.
Then there is the fact that Nord Stream Two was built and fully owned by Russia (unlike Nord Stream One, which was a joint venture). Russia spent about $10 Billion on Nord Stream Two, which is now damaged and will either never be repaired, or if so it won't be placed in service.
...it is a total loss....