That's the thing though, at the time it wasn't supplying gas. Gazprom said it was having 'technical difficulties' (that the German equipment manufacturer denied) and had reduced the flows over time to zero to put pressure on the Europeans through high winter gas prices and low supplies.
Your broader point is correct though, admitting to blowing it up would be bad press to any party.
Your broader point is correct though, admitting to blowing it up would be bad press to any party.