It should be possible to deliver more Russian gas directly to Western Europe via the pipeline, but the project has already suffered setbacks in recent months. US sanctions have previously caused delays and crippled the German regulator last month.
After the G7 meeting
“The pipeline cannot be operated in the event of further escalation in Ukraine,” the new German Foreign Minister, Annallina Barbock, said yesterday.
She told German broadcaster ZDF after the weekend’s G7 meeting on tensions with Russia. Today, other meetings are being held in Europe to discuss the situation with Russia.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also spoke about the controversial Nord Stream 2 project during his visit to Poland yesterday. According to the United States, the gas pipeline will increase Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. This will allow Russia to exert political pressure on the weak countries of Eastern and Central Europe, including Ukraine.
Ukraine gas transit
Schulz said at the time that despite US criticism, Germany would remain committed to Ukraine as a transit route for gas to Europe. “We continue to feel a responsibility to ensure the continued success of gas transportation operations in Ukraine,” Schultz said.
However, Barbock’s statements shortly after the G7 meeting indicate that Germany will reconsider this position if, for example, Russia decides to escalate the conflict with Ukraine militarily.
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