European countries are investigating two Russian gas pipelines that have leaked into the baltic sea near Denmark and Sweden

The Nord Stream carries gas from Russia to the rest of Europe.

Governments around Europe are being cautious to not rule out sabotage… as evidence so far suggests it has been physically damaged.

But U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says it would be ‘in no-one’s interest’ to damage this essential energy source.

The leaks have led Denmark to restrict shipping in a five nautical mile radius…. while in Sweden, the country’s prime minister says the leaks are seen as deliberate acts.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters “No option can be ruled out right now.”

Both pipelines have been crucial talking points in an escalating energy war between Europe and Moscow.

It’s sent gas prices soaring around the world as countries race to find alternative energy sources.

Nord Stream itself says “its not possible to estimate a timeframe” to fix the leaks.

Since President Vladimir Putin’s latest warning that he is ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia, the question of whether or not the former KGB spy is bluffing has become much more urgent.

There are several reasons why Putin’s nuclear warnings have the West worried. First, Russia has been increasingly aggressive in its actions in recent years, from annexing Crimea to intervening in Syria. This has led to a feeling that Putin is becoming more and more reckless and unpredictable.

Second, Russia has been beefing up its nuclear arsenal, with reports indicating that it now has more nuclear warheads than any other country in the world. This increase in firepower makes Putin’s threats all the more credible.

Last but not least, there is the fact that Putin is a former KGB agent. This means that he is no stranger to playing games of brinkmanship and bluffing. In the past, he has used nuclear threats as a way to get what he wants. For example, in 2008, he threatened to aim nuclear missiles at European cities unless the United States agreed to drop plans for a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.

The West is worried

Given all of this, it’s no wonder that Putin’s latest nuclear threats have the West worried. Only Putin knows if he is actually bluffing, but given his track record, it’s certainly a possibility.

If a nuclear weapon were used in Ukraine, it would cause a massive humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of people would be killed or wounded, and millions more would be displaced. The economic and social damage would be enormous, and Europe would be plunged into chaos.

In addition, the use of nuclear weapons would also have devastating consequences for the rest of the world. The nuclear non-proliferation regime would be dealt a serious blow, and there would be a renewed risk of nuclear war.

The world would become a much more dangerous place.

Nuclear impact

A nuclear explosion in Ukraine would have a regional impact, but it could also have global consequences. The use of nuclear weapons would violate the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and this could lead to other countries acquiring nuclear weapons. In addition, the risk of nuclear war would increase, and this would have a negative impact on the entire world.

The UN has condemned Russia’s threats of nuclear war, and it has called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons. The UN Secretary-General has said that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine, and he has urged all sides to return to the negotiating table.

Russia has several allies in its war against Ukraine. These include Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Russia also has the support of China and Iran.

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on energy prices.

Due to the conflict, there has been a disruption in the supply of natural gas and oil from Ukraine. This has led to an increase in prices for these commodities.

The West can only threaten Putin further, as they’ve done all year, since President Biden warned that Russia was about to invade Ukraine.

Every step of the way, Putin has done exactly what the West has feared.

Music icon Shakira will stand trial in a Spanish court over allegations of tax fraud

Columbian music sensation Shakira will stand trial court over allegations of tax fraud, which amount to €14.5m.

Spanish prosecutors are seeking jail time and a nearly €24 million in damages if the 45-year-old singer is found guilty.

The singer allegedly evaded €14.5 million in tax but is denying any wrongdoing.

“I am confident that I have enough proof to support my case and that justice will prevail in my favour,” she recently tole Elle magazine.

She will stand trial for her involvement in six alleged tax crimes but a court date has not been set.

Her legal team said they will be “presenting arguments at the appropriate time”.

Shakira had previously rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, instead opting to go to trial.

Spanish law states people are considered residents for tax purposes if they spend more than six months living in the country.

Prosecutors claim Shakira bought a property in Barcelona 10 years ago in which she lived at the time.

However, the artist said she has not lived in Spain for such a period of time.