The US is reportedly engaged in secret discussions with an ally of Russian President Putin to revive the Nord Stream pipeline, with involvement from an individual connected to the Trump administration. This former spy and close associate of Putin is working to restart the pipeline with the support of American investors, indicating a surprising level of rapprochement between Trump's administration and Moscow.

US in Secret Talks With Putin Ally to Revive Nord Stream 2?

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper Wall Street Journal has claimed, citing sources.&nbsp;

The possibility of sabotaging the pipelines was first discussed by Ukrainian officials in May 2022. A handful of businessmen and military officers had gathered to cheer Kyiv on briefly the Russian invasion. On the evening filled with booze, a pact was made under which the businessmen would provide financial help while the military would execute the task of the ultimate sabotage.&nbsp;

The initial plan involved a small yacht and small divers, including a woman, so as to give the illusion of a small friendly cruise. However, after the CIA&nbsp;caught whiff of the plans, Zelensky cancelled the operation at the request of the agency.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-ukrainians-blew-up-nord-stream-pipelines-german-media-595393">Also read |&nbsp;At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media</a>

A few months later,&nbsp;former top Ukrainian military commander Valery Zaluzhny ignored Zelensky's order and chalked a new plan.&nbsp;Zaluzhny involved Roman Chervinsky, an ex-officer of Ukraine’s main security and intelligence service to undertake the operation.

A small sailing boat and a team of six members (duty soldiers and civilians with maritime experience) were involved in blowing up the natural gas pipelines. In September, a 50-foot yacht was rented in the German port town of Rostock.

The four divers worked in pairs and operating in the dark, icy waters, planted a&nbsp;powerful explosive known as&nbsp;HMX that was wired to timer-controlled detonators.

Notably, upon being pulled by Zelensky for undermining his authority,&nbsp;Zaluzhniy&nbsp;said that the sabotage team, once dispatched, went&nbsp;incommunicado and couldn’t be called off&nbsp;as it would compromise them and the operation.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nord-stream-probe-will-the-perpetrator-ever-be-known-742658">Watch |&nbsp;Nord Stream Probe: Will the perpetrator ever be known?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nord-stream-probe-will-the-perpetrator-ever-be-known-742658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Nord Stream pipelines&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2&nbsp;pipelines&nbsp;stretch 760 miles from&nbsp;the Russian northwest coast&nbsp;to Lubmin in northeast Germany. The first was completed in 2011 and cost more than $12 billion to build while Nord Stream 2 cost slightly less and was completed in 2021 despite backlash from the US, UK and Ukraine amongst others.&nbsp;

After the explosion, Denmark and Sweden stated that&nbsp;the attacks could not have been carried out without state-sponsored help. While the Nordic countries may have pointed fingers towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin, it has become clear, a couple of years later that Zelensky first engineered the plan that was executed by his troops.&nbsp;

The WSJ report also comes a day after German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian man for the sabotage of the pipelines.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims made.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper Wall Street Journal has claimed, citing sources.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper Wall Street Journal has claimed, citing sources. The possibility of sabotaging the pipelines was first discussed by Ukrainian officials in May 2022. A handful of businessmen and military officers had gathered to cheer Kyiv on briefly the Russian invasion. On the evening filled with booze, a pact was made under which the businessmen would provide financial help while the military would execute the task of the ultimate sabotage. The initial plan involved a small yacht and small divers, including a woman, so as to give the illusion of a small friendly cruise. However, after the CIA caught whiff of the plans, Zelensky cancelled the operation at the request of the agency. Also read | At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media A few months later, former top Ukrainian military commander Valery Zaluzhny ignored Zelensky's order and chalked a new plan. Zaluzhny involved Roman Chervinsky, an ex-officer of Ukraine’s main security and intelligence service to undertake the operation. A small sailing boat and a team of six members (duty soldiers and civilians with maritime experience) were involved in blowing up the natural gas pipelines. In September, a 50-foot yacht was rented in the German port town of Rostock. The four divers worked in pairs and operating in the dark, icy waters, planted a powerful explosive known as HMX that was wired to timer-controlled detonators. Notably, upon being pulled by Zelensky for undermining his authority, Zaluzhniy said that the sabotage team, once dispatched, went incommunicado and couldn’t be called off as it would compromise them and the operation. Watch | Nord Stream Probe: Will the perpetrator ever be known? × Nord Stream pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines stretch 760 miles from the Russian northwest coast to Lubmin in northeast Germany. The first was completed in 2011 and cost more than $12 billion to build while Nord Stream 2 cost slightly less and was completed in 2021 despite backlash from the US, UK and Ukraine amongst others. After the explosion, Denmark and Sweden stated that the attacks could not have been carried out without state-sponsored help. While the Nordic countries may have pointed fingers towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin, it has become clear, a couple of years later that Zelensky first engineered the plan that was executed by his troops. The WSJ report also comes a day after German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian man for the sabotage of the pipelines. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims made. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report

A day after a mysterious object was retrieved by the Danish navy near Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the Danish Energy Agency said Wednesday that it appeared to be a maritime buoy which poses no safety risk, as per reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Danish defence department earlier put out images of a 15 inches tall and about 4 inches diameter mysterious object.&nbsp;Danish authorities about two weeks ago said that an unidentified object was found during an inspection close to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and they were able to retrieve it on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marriage-a-license-to-rape-indias-top-court-to-hear-pleas-on-marital-rape-these-countries-criminalise-it-576588">Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it</a>

"Investigations indicate that the object is an empty maritime smoke buoy, which is used for visual marking. The object does not pose a safety risk," the Danish Energy Agency said in a statement, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Denmark, in order to help salvage the mysterious object, invited the Russia-controlled operator of the pipeline.&nbsp;In September last year, explosions at the Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which is majority-owned by Russia's state-run energy giant Gazprom, became a new point of contention between the US-Russia faceoff.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nashville-school-shooter-sent-a-cryptic-warning-text-to-ex-classmate-it-only-makes-sense-now-577038">Nashville school shooter sent a cryptic warning text to ex-classmate, it only makes sense now</a>

It must be noted that the blasts took place inside the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark.&nbsp;Danish authorities in November said that they gave Nord Stream permission to inspect damage at its Baltic Sea pipelines in Denmark's economic zone.&nbsp;

"Nord Stream AG has been authorised to carry out a marine study in an area located in Denmark's exclusive economic zone", the Danish Geodata Agency had told AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Watch | Israel protests: US President Joe Biden urges Netanyahu to abandon judicial overhaul

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-economy-cratered-by-war-metal-industry-a-pillar-to-boost-it-576349/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

During the retrieval operation of the mysterious object, a representative from Nord Stream 2 AG was also present. The operation was carried out at a depth of 73 meters, as per the Danish Energy Agency.&nbsp;

An intel report reviewed by US officials earlier suggested that the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines was done by a pro-Ukrainian group. However, there is no conclusive evidence of the same. Moreover, an American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh earlier said that the bombings of the Nord Stream pipelines were carried out by the United States in a secretive operation.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A day after a mysterious object was retrieved by the Danish navy near Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the Danish Energy Agency said Wednesday that it appeared to be a maritime buoy which poses no safety risk, as per reports.

A day after a mysterious object was retrieved by the Danish navy near Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the Danish Energy Agency said Wednesday that it appeared to be a maritime buoy which poses no safety risk, as per reports. Danish defence department earlier put out images of a 15 inches tall and about 4 inches diameter mysterious object. Danish authorities about two weeks ago said that an unidentified object was found during an inspection close to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and they were able to retrieve it on Tuesday. Also Read | Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it "Investigations indicate that the object is an empty maritime smoke buoy, which is used for visual marking. The object does not pose a safety risk," the Danish Energy Agency said in a statement, reported Reuters. Denmark, in order to help salvage the mysterious object, invited the Russia-controlled operator of the pipeline. In September last year, explosions at the Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which is majority-owned by Russia's state-run energy giant Gazprom, became a new point of contention between the US-Russia faceoff. Also Read | Nashville school shooter sent a cryptic warning text to ex-classmate, it only makes sense now It must be noted that the blasts took place inside the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. Danish authorities in November said that they gave Nord Stream permission to inspect damage at its Baltic Sea pipelines in Denmark's economic zone. "Nord Stream AG has been authorised to carry out a marine study in an area located in Denmark's exclusive economic zone", the Danish Geodata Agency had told AFP news agency. Watch | Israel protests: US President Joe Biden urges Netanyahu to abandon judicial overhaul × During the retrieval operation of the mysterious object, a representative from Nord Stream 2 AG was also present. The operation was carried out at a depth of 73 meters, as per the Danish Energy Agency. An intel report reviewed by US officials earlier suggested that the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines was done by a pro-Ukrainian group. However, there is no conclusive evidence of the same. Moreover, an American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh earlier said that the bombings of the Nord Stream pipelines were carried out by the United States in a secretive operation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'No risk': Denmark on mysterious object found near Nord Stream 2 pipelines

Germany has no plans to dismantle the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, confirmed Bundestag, the German parliament in a <a href="https://dip.bundestag.de/drucksache/auf-die-kleine-anfrage-drucksache-20-3625-gasversorgung-nachfrage-zur-antwort/263947?f.wahlperiode=20&amp;f.typ=Dokument&amp;f.herausgeber_dokumentart=Bundestag-Drucksache&amp;rows=25&amp;sort=verteildatum_ab&amp;pos=19">response</a> dated October 26, 2022. The response came in reply to a question by a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker.&nbsp;

“The Nord Stream 2 pipeline did not go into operation, so the federal government cannot work towards its termination. There are currently no plans to dismantle the line, particularly the part of the line in German territorial waters,” Germany’s ministry for economic affairs and climate change&nbsp;said.

Russia accounted for a whopping 55 per cent of Germany’s gas imports in 2021, a level that declined to 26 per cent by June 2022, in part due to the reduced flow of gas from Russia in the previously operational Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz-led country has pledged to replace all Russian energy imports as soon as mid-2024.&nbsp;

€46 billion: The cost of replacing Russian gas for Germany

Germany faces the possibility&nbsp;of facing a €46 billion ($45.4 billion) hit for replacing Russian gas with other alternatives, according to a response by Germany’s economic affairs ministry in the parliament. “The amount of the (expected) costs associated with the substitution of Russian gas depends largely on the development of gas prices. Of particular importance in this connection are the volatile gas prices on the spot market, where parts of the required quantities have to be procured. Against this background, the federal government currently estimates the costs at around 46 billion euros,” it said.&nbsp;

The German economic ministry said that the share of Russian gas will be substituted by higher deliveries from Norway and increasing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from other countries in Europe. The ministry did not specify the names of other countries.&nbsp;

Other than Russia, Germany currently imports LNG from countries such as the United States, Qatar, Algeria, and countries in Africa.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-to-europe-if-you-want-gas-then-open-nord-stream-2-517019">Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-to-europe-if-you-want-gas-then-open-nord-stream-2-517019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia curtailed gas supplies to Germany and other European nations via Nord Stream 1 pipeline starting June 2022. On September 29, amid intensifying warfare between Russia and Ukraine, the former closed down Nord Stream 1 pipeline indefinitely after a number of leaks were found in it and the parallel pipeline Nord Stream 2.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Germany has no plans to dismantle the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, confirmed Bundestag, the German parliament in a response dated October 26, 2022. The response came in reply to a question by a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker.

Germany has no plans to dismantle the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, confirmed Bundestag, the German parliament in a response dated October 26, 2022. The response came in reply to a question by a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker. “The Nord Stream 2 pipeline did not go into operation, so the federal government cannot work towards its termination. There are currently no plans to dismantle the line, particularly the part of the line in German territorial waters,” Germany’s ministry for economic affairs and climate change said. Russia accounted for a whopping 55 per cent of Germany’s gas imports in 2021, a level that declined to 26 per cent by June 2022, in part due to the reduced flow of gas from Russia in the previously operational Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Chancellor Olaf Scholz-led country has pledged to replace all Russian energy imports as soon as mid-2024. €46 billion: The cost of replacing Russian gas for Germany Germany faces the possibility of facing a €46 billion ($45.4 billion) hit for replacing Russian gas with other alternatives, according to a response by Germany’s economic affairs ministry in the parliament. “The amount of the (expected) costs associated with the substitution of Russian gas depends largely on the development of gas prices. Of particular importance in this connection are the volatile gas prices on the spot market, where parts of the required quantities have to be procured. Against this background, the federal government currently estimates the costs at around 46 billion euros,” it said. The German economic ministry said that the share of Russian gas will be substituted by higher deliveries from Norway and increasing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from other countries in Europe. The ministry did not specify the names of other countries. Other than Russia, Germany currently imports LNG from countries such as the United States, Qatar, Algeria, and countries in Africa. WATCH | Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2 × Russia curtailed gas supplies to Germany and other European nations via Nord Stream 1 pipeline starting June 2022. On September 29, amid intensifying warfare between Russia and Ukraine, the former closed down Nord Stream 1 pipeline indefinitely after a number of leaks were found in it and the parallel pipeline Nord Stream 2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Germany has no plans to dismantle Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

A day after Russia accused British navy personnel of being responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines last month, NATO ally France has jumped in to UK's defence.

A day after Russia accused British navy personnel of being responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines last month, NATO ally France has jumped in to UK's defence. Reportedly, France's foreign ministry deputy spokesperson in a statement said the accusations are part of Moscow's strategy "to turn attention away from its sole responsibility in the war of aggression that it is conducting against Ukraine." As reported by WION, the Russian defence ministry on Saturday released a statement wherein for the first time since the explosions took place, it outrightly called out a nation. "According to available information, representatives of the British Navy took part in the planning, provision and implementation of a terrorist attack in the Baltic Sea on September 26 this year — blowing up the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines," read the statement. Read more: Russia accuses British navy of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines, UK slams claim No sooner did Moscow release the statement, the UK also reacted and released a rather stern response. "To detract from their disastrous handling of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defence is resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale," tweeted the UK defence ministry. "This invented story says more about arguments going on inside the Russian government than it does about the West," it added. Read more: Sweden refuses joint investigation team with Germany, Denmark to probe Nord Stream explosions The two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines were followed by unexplained gas leaks. Suspicious incidents were reported in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have claimed that those were pre-meditated attacks to damage the pipeline. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions did not affect Moscow. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin had said in a live speech. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France jumps to UK's defence after Russia's Nord Stream blasts accusations

As investigations start into the origins of the Nord Stream pipeline leaks, Russia has thrown its hat into the ring to be included in the probe. "There should really be an investigation.

As investigations start into the origins of the Nord Stream pipeline leaks, Russia has thrown its hat into the ring to be included in the probe. "There should really be an investigation. Naturally, with the participation of Russia," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Vershinin was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. Last week, while addressing the assembly at UN Security Council, Vershinin said, “The general opinion was that this [pipeline leaks] was sabotage and that it should be investigated." As reported extensively by WION, the two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines last Monday were followed by unexplained gas leaks. The suspicious incidents were reported in the Baltic Sea off Danish island of Bornholm. According to Danish-Swedish investigation findings, the four breaches impacting the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were brought on by underwater explosions equivalent to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives. Read more: China calls for 'impartial' investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline leaks Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have claimed that their were attacks that caused gas from the two Russian-owned gas pipelines to pour into the sea. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions did not affect Moscow. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin stated during a live speech at a Kremlin ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine that are now under Russian control. While the supply of natural gas through the pipelines remains halted, the leaks have been plugged. Nord Stream 2 was repaired on Saturday followed by Nord Stream 1 on Monday. "The larger leak is now no longer visible on the surface while the smaller one instead has increased slightly," the Swedish coast guard said in a statement regarding Nord Stream 1. Read more: Gas leak from Nord Stream 1 has stopped, says Swedish Coast Guard (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kremlin wants to be part of investigation into underwater explosions, Nord Stream leaks

In the backdrop of a series of leaks and blasts that rocked the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, the Italian government has upped its surveillance on underwater cables, according to a report by Reuters.

In the backdrop of a series of leaks and blasts that rocked the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, the Italian government has upped its surveillance on underwater cables, according to a report by Reuters. The threat of underwater energy and telecommunications cables being targeted has grown manifold in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Back in 2020, NATO ministers had discussed the threat of Russian submarines causing potential damage to the underwater internet cables by cutting or tapping them. To get ahead of the curve, the Italian Navy in July signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the country's largest private cable provider viz. Sparkle to ensure that undersea internet cables are protected. Read more: Nord Stream leak: Powerful blasts recorded in leakage areas “The Italian Navy is one of the main pillars of national maritime cluster and works daily to defend and support it. We have professional competences and skills to perform submarine operations and today, also thanks to Sparkle, an important process begins that gives the right attention to the underwater dimension of Italy, a maritime country with 8,000 km of coastline, at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea,” Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino Credendino was quoted as saying after the signing of the MoU. The Italian Navy intends to use submarines to monitor the cables and ensure that no untoward incident happens around them. The Italian Navy is building four upgraded NFS (Near Future Submarine) to level up its capabilities and replace its older Sauro-class vessels. Modern technology and increased espionage capabilities have allowed enemy parties to use underwater as another frontier to execute their deceitful plans. The internet cables laid down in the Atlantic Ocean in recent times entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar. They exit through the Suez Canbal and run to Asia and West Asia. According to experts, these cables, which carry over 95 per cent of the world’s internet volume are extremely critical and require increased surveillance. As reported extensively by WION, Nord Stream 1 and 2 are major pipelines that transmit gas from western Siberia in Russia to Europe. The pipelines have been a major focus of geopolitical tension as Russia chose to reduce gas supply as retaliation to western sanctions in the wake of the Ukraine war. The recent leaks have started a blame game among the stakeholders. While Russia remains adamant that is not responsible for the blasts or leaks, the West accuses Kremlin of sabotage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italy heightens surveillance of underwater cables after Nord Stream pipeline leaks, says report

Swedish Coast Guard said on Monday (October 3) that there was no visible gas leak from Nord Stream 1 pipeline but a smaller leak from Nord Stream 2 was still visible.

"The larger leak is now no longer visible on the surface while the smaller one instead has increased slightly," the coast guard said in a statement.

The observations were made during an overflight on Monday at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) of the two pipelines suspected to have been damaged, it added.

"At that time, the smaller leak was approximately 30 metres in diameter," the coast guard said.

A spokesman for Nord Stream AG, the operator of the Nord Stream pipelines had said on Saturday that leaking from Nord Stream 2 had stopped as an equilibrium had been reached between the gas and water pressure.

All of the leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines were discovered on Monday last week. These leaks were in the Baltic Sea off Danish island of Bornholm.

Danish authorities had estimated that all the gas trapped in the pipelines would have escaped by Sunday.

Two of the leaks are located in the Swedish exclusive economic zone, and the two others in the Danish one.

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Swedish Coast Guard said on Monday (October 3) that there was no visible gas leak from Nord Stream 1 pipeline but a smaller leak from Nord Stream 2 was still visible.

Swedish Coast Guard said on Monday (October 3) that there was no visible gas leak from Nord Stream 1 pipeline but a smaller leak from Nord Stream 2 was still visible. "The larger leak is now no longer visible on the surface while the smaller one instead has increased slightly," the coast guard said in a statement. The observations were made during an overflight on Monday at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) of the two pipelines suspected to have been damaged, it added. "At that time, the smaller leak was approximately 30 metres in diameter," the coast guard said. A spokesman for Nord Stream AG, the operator of the Nord Stream pipelines had said on Saturday that leaking from Nord Stream 2 had stopped as an equilibrium had been reached between the gas and water pressure. All of the leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines were discovered on Monday last week. These leaks were in the Baltic Sea off Danish island of Bornholm. Danish authorities had estimated that all the gas trapped in the pipelines would have escaped by Sunday. Two of the leaks are located in the Swedish exclusive economic zone, and the two others in the Danish one. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Gas leak from Nord Stream 1 has stopped, says Swedish Coast Guard

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Nord Stream pipeline&nbsp;is&nbsp;vital as it&nbsp;transmits natural gas from Russia to Europe. The pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension that erupted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Last week, a total of four leaks were discovered on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines.

"There have never been such incidents. Of course, there are technical possibilities to restore the infrastructure, it takes time and appropriate funds. I am sure that appropriate possibilities will be found," Novak said.

Watch | Ukraine recaptures Eastern town of Lyman, Russian forces retreat from Donetsk city

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-recaptures-eastern-town-of-lyman-russian-forces-retreat-from-donetsk-city-521673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia is a major natural gas supplier to&nbsp;Europe. The European Union has criticised Russia for allegedly leveraging its position as energy supplier in retaliation&nbsp;against the economic sanctions imposed by the West in the wake of Ukraine invasion.

Denmark's Energy Agency said on Sunday it had been informed by Nord Stream AG that stable pressure had been achieved in Nord Stream 1, once the largest single supply route for Russian gas to Europe, indicating the outflow from the last leaks had halted.

Nord Stream AG said on Saturday that gas was no longer flowing out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had held some gas despite never becoming operational.

European Union states say they believe the damage was caused by sabotage, but they and other Western governments have avoided pointing a finger directly. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the United States and its allies were responsible, an accusation the White House dismissed.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline was already shut by Russia, but cannot be easily reopened now. The commercial operations of the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline&nbsp;never started after being built in September 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Nord Stream pipeline is vital as it transmits natural gas from Russia to Europe. The pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension that erupted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last week, a total of four leaks were discovered on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. "There have never been such incidents. Of course, there are technical possibilities to restore the infrastructure, it takes time and appropriate funds. I am sure that appropriate possibilities will be found," Novak said. Watch | Ukraine recaptures Eastern town of Lyman, Russian forces retreat from Donetsk city × Russia is a major natural gas supplier to Europe. The European Union has criticised Russia for allegedly leveraging its position as energy supplier in retaliation against the economic sanctions imposed by the West in the wake of Ukraine invasion. Denmark's Energy Agency said on Sunday it had been informed by Nord Stream AG that stable pressure had been achieved in Nord Stream 1, once the largest single supply route for Russian gas to Europe, indicating the outflow from the last leaks had halted. Nord Stream AG said on Saturday that gas was no longer flowing out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had held some gas despite never becoming operational. European Union states say they believe the damage was caused by sabotage, but they and other Western governments have avoided pointing a finger directly. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the United States and its allies were responsible, an accusation the White House dismissed. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline was already shut by Russia, but cannot be easily reopened now. The commercial operations of the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline never started after being built in September 2021. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Restoration of ruptured Nord Stream pipelines possible, says Russia deputy PM

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP.

"The water pressure has more or less closed the pipeline so that the gas which is inside can't go out," Nord Stream 2 spokesman Ulrich Lissek said before adding, "The conclusion is that there is still gas in the pipeline."&nbsp;

Asked how much gas was believed to be in the pipeline, Lissek said, "That is the one-million-dollar question."

Information on the status of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leak, which was significantly stronger, was not immediately available.

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage, producing four leaks.

A Danish-Swedish report released on Friday concluded the leaks were caused by underwater explosions corresponding to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives.

"All available information indicates that those explosions are the result of a deliberate act," the countries said.

The source of the explosions has remained a mystery, however, with both Moscow and Washington denying responsibility.

All the leaks, which were discovered on Monday, are in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. 
Lissek said Nord Stream 2 had informed the Danish energy regulator earlier Saturday that the pipeline had stopped leaking gas.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP. "The water pressure has more or less closed the pipeline so that the gas which is inside can't go out," Nord Stream 2 spokesman Ulrich Lissek said before adding, "The conclusion is that there is still gas in the pipeline." Asked how much gas was believed to be in the pipeline, Lissek said, "That is the one-million-dollar question." Information on the status of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leak, which was significantly stronger, was not immediately available. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage, producing four leaks. A Danish-Swedish report released on Friday concluded the leaks were caused by underwater explosions corresponding to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives. "All available information indicates that those explosions are the result of a deliberate act," the countries said. The source of the explosions has remained a mystery, however, with both Moscow and Washington denying responsibility. All the leaks, which were discovered on Monday, are in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. Lissek said Nord Stream 2 had informed the Danish energy regulator earlier Saturday that the pipeline had stopped leaking gas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nord Stream 2 has stopped leaking gas, says the pipeline spokesman

The recent gas leak on the Nord Stream pipelines has caused an alarm of worry not just amongst political leaders in Europe but also among scientists. Scientists worry that the release of methane into the Baltic Sea from the pipelines is one of the "biggest and worst" natural gas leaks ever, which is also posing serious climate risks.

Although both the damaged pipelines were not operational, the methane released from them being the second largest contributor to climate change is making the most of it. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-leak-more-than-half-of-gas-in-pipelines-has-escaped-says-denmark-520624">Also&nbsp;read | Nord Stream leak: More than half of gas in pipelines has escaped, says Denmark</a>

The size of the leak is unknown, scientists have made a rough guess of 100,000 to 350,000 tonnes of methane released. If the estimates are correct, this would release more methane than the 100,000 tonnes that were released in 2015 by the Aliso Canyon, the largest blowout in US history, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did explosions damage gas pipelines to Europe?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-explosions-damage-gas-pipelines-to-europe-520348/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per reports, designed to enhance the supply of gas from Russia to Germany, Nord Stream 2 had 300 million cubic metres of gas when Germany suspended the certification process, just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stupid-and-absurd-to-accuse-russia-of-nord-stream-leaks-kremlin-520506">Also read |&nbsp;'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin</a>

However, as per the Danish Energy Agency, the pipes held a total of 778 million cubic metres of natural gas or nearly 32 per cent of Denmark's carbon emissions. This is roughly twice what the scientists predicted. The agency's calculations indicate that over half of the gas has already left the pipeline and the remaining will be out by Sunday this week.&nbsp;

Estimates of the amount of methane released into the atmosphere might increase dramatically from 200,000 to 450,000 tonnes. In terms of the climate impact, 250,000 tonnes of methane is equal to 1.3 million cars on the road.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The recent gas leak on the Nord Stream pipelines has caused an alarm of worry not just amongst political leaders in Europe but also among scientists. Scientists worry that the release of methane into the Baltic Sea from the pipelines is one of the "biggest and worst" natural gas leaks ever, which is also posing serious climate risks.

The recent gas leak on the Nord Stream pipelines has caused an alarm of worry not just amongst political leaders in Europe but also among scientists. Scientists worry that the release of methane into the Baltic Sea from the pipelines is one of the "biggest and worst" natural gas leaks ever, which is also posing serious climate risks. Although both the damaged pipelines were not operational, the methane released from them being the second largest contributor to climate change is making the most of it. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. Also read | Nord Stream leak: More than half of gas in pipelines has escaped, says Denmark The size of the leak is unknown, scientists have made a rough guess of 100,000 to 350,000 tonnes of methane released. If the estimates are correct, this would release more methane than the 100,000 tonnes that were released in 2015 by the Aliso Canyon, the largest blowout in US history, The Guardian reported. Watch | Gravitas: Did explosions damage gas pipelines to Europe? As per reports, designed to enhance the supply of gas from Russia to Germany, Nord Stream 2 had 300 million cubic metres of gas when Germany suspended the certification process, just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | 'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin However, as per the Danish Energy Agency, the pipes held a total of 778 million cubic metres of natural gas or nearly 32 per cent of Denmark's carbon emissions. This is roughly twice what the scientists predicted. The agency's calculations indicate that over half of the gas has already left the pipeline and the remaining will be out by Sunday this week. Estimates of the amount of methane released into the atmosphere might increase dramatically from 200,000 to 450,000 tonnes. In terms of the climate impact, 250,000 tonnes of methane is equal to 1.3 million cars on the road. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nord Stream gas leaks may be the 'biggest and worst' ever recorded, raises severe climate fears

Nord Stream 1 and the mostly defunct Nord Stream 2, the major pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe have developed issues. While the first one reported leaks, the second saw sudden drop in pressure overnight. Hint of sabotage has deepened the mystery surrounding the leaks. The two pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine. 
 
Denmark was the first to report the Nord Stream 1&nbsp;pipeline leak. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said it was 'hard to imagine' that the leak was accidental.

"It's an unusual situation, to have three leaks a distance from each other. That's why it's hard to imagine that it's accidental", Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Danish media during a visit to Poland.

Watch | Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-to-europe-if-you-want-gas-then-open-nord-stream-2-517019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Swedish Maritime Authority had raised flag as well at the time of the leaks.

“There are two leaks on Nord Stream 1 – one in Swedish economic zone and one in Danish economic zone. They are very near each other,” a Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) spokesperson told Reuters. The spokesperson said that the leaks&nbsp;were located northeast of Bornholm, the Danish island.

Authorities in Denmark on Monday (September 26) asked ships to avoid sailing into the five nautical mile radius southeast of Bornholm.

Meanwhile, authorities in Germany were scrambling to find out what caused the sudden drop in pressure in Nord Stream 2. A spokesperson for the pipeline said it is likely a leak. The operator said pressure in the undersea pipeline dropped from 105 to 7 bar overnight.

Kremlin has hinted that it thinks sabotage was the cause of the leak.&nbsp;Asked if sabotage was the reason for the damage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "No option can be ruled out right now."

The European Commission, however, has said that it was premature to speculate on the cause of leaks.

"Obviously any act of sabotage on any infrastructure is something that we we would condemn," EU Commission chief spokesman Eric Mamer told a regular news briefing.

Nord Streams pipelines are designed to bring gas from Western Siberia's Yamal Peninsula directly to Germany, Europe's biggest economy. The pipelines were in focus in the wake of breaking out of Ukraine war. Russia has been leveraging its position as major gas supplier to Europe to retaliate against economic sanctions put by Western countries.&nbsp;Nord Stream 2, which runs almost in parallel to Nord Stream 1, was built in September 2021 but was never launched as Germany refused to certify it. The project was halted altogether just days before Moscow sent its troops into Ukraine on February 24.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Nord Stream 1 and the mostly defunct Nord Stream 2, the major pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe have developed issues. While the first one reported leaks, the second saw sudden drop in pressure overnight.

Nord Stream 1 and the mostly defunct Nord Stream 2, the major pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe have developed issues. While the first one reported leaks, the second saw sudden drop in pressure overnight. Hint of sabotage has deepened the mystery surrounding the leaks. The two pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine. Denmark was the first to report the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leak. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said it was 'hard to imagine' that the leak was accidental. "It's an unusual situation, to have three leaks a distance from each other. That's why it's hard to imagine that it's accidental", Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Danish media during a visit to Poland. Watch | Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2 × Swedish Maritime Authority had raised flag as well at the time of the leaks. “There are two leaks on Nord Stream 1 – one in Swedish economic zone and one in Danish economic zone. They are very near each other,” a Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) spokesperson told Reuters. The spokesperson said that the leaks were located northeast of Bornholm, the Danish island. Authorities in Denmark on Monday (September 26) asked ships to avoid sailing into the five nautical mile radius southeast of Bornholm. Meanwhile, authorities in Germany were scrambling to find out what caused the sudden drop in pressure in Nord Stream 2. A spokesperson for the pipeline said it is likely a leak. The operator said pressure in the undersea pipeline dropped from 105 to 7 bar overnight. Kremlin has hinted that it thinks sabotage was the cause of the leak. Asked if sabotage was the reason for the damage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "No option can be ruled out right now." The European Commission, however, has said that it was premature to speculate on the cause of leaks. "Obviously any act of sabotage on any infrastructure is something that we we would condemn," EU Commission chief spokesman Eric Mamer told a regular news briefing. Nord Streams pipelines are designed to bring gas from Western Siberia's Yamal Peninsula directly to Germany, Europe's biggest economy. The pipelines were in focus in the wake of breaking out of Ukraine war. Russia has been leveraging its position as major gas supplier to Europe to retaliate against economic sanctions put by Western countries. Nord Stream 2, which runs almost in parallel to Nord Stream 1, was built in September 2021 but was never launched as Germany refused to certify it. The project was halted altogether just days before Moscow sent its troops into Ukraine on February 24. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Nord Stream leaks: Russia hints at sabotage, EU says premature to speculate

President Vladimir Putin denied Russia had anything to do with Europe's energy crisis, saying that if the European Union wanted more gas it should lift sanctions preventing the opening of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2

A day after Germany halted the crucial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, its economic minister said that it's possible that the pipeline can be completely shut down. These comments came after Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine.

Germany halts key Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.

Germany halts approval of gas pipeline over Ukraine crisis

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.

Germany halts Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

For decades, Germany has been a steadfast consumer of Russian natural gas, a relationship that has seemingly grown closer over the years, surviving Cold War-era tensions, the breakup of the former Soviet Union and even European sanctions against Moscow over its annexation of Crimea. Until this winter.

Since November, the amount of natural gas arriving in Germany from Russia has plunged, driving prices through the roof and draining reserves. These are changes that Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled energy behemoth, has been regularly pointing out.

“As much as 85 percent of the gas injected in Europe’s underground gas storage facilities last summer is already withdrawn,” Gazprom said on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, adding that “facilities in Germany and France are already two-thirds empty.”

With tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine — a key transit country for Russian gas — showing few signs of easing, Germany’s new minister for the economy and climate change, Robert Habeck, has begun to raise an issue that was unthinkable just a year or two ago: looking beyond Russia for the country’s natural gas needs.

“The geopolitical situation forces us to create other import opportunities and diversify supply,” Habeck, who is a member of the environmentalist Greens, said last week. “We need to act here and secure ourselves better. If we don’t, we will become a pawn in the game.”

Now the government is reviving plans for building a terminal for liquefied natural gas, or LNG, on Germany’s northern coast. That proposal, long pushed by Washington, was previously shelved as being too costly. But in recent months, liquefied natural gas, arriving via giant tankers from the United States, Qatar and other locations, has become a vital source of fuel for Europe as supplies piped in from Russia have dwindled.

Europe has more than two dozen LNG terminals, including ones in Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium, but the one proposed for Germany’s coast would be the country’s first.

The government is also considering rules that would require energy companies to maintain a base level of natural gas in reserve. Last week, the amount of natural gas in the country’s storage tanks had dropped to 35% to 36%, the government said, below the level considered necessary at the start of February to survive a week of bitter cold. Roughly a quarter of all Germany’s natural gas capacity is held in facilities owned by Gazprom, including the country’s largest underground tank.

These moves are in addition to efforts to build more renewable sources of power, such as expanding wind and solar capacities.

Natural gas is an increasingly critical source of energy for Germany. Last year it accounted for nearly 27% of the energy consumed, according to government figures, an increase from 2020 that is expected to continue when the country shutters its last three nuclear power plants in December and works to phase out coal-burning power plants by 2030. And two-thirds of the gas Germany burned last year came from Russia.

For years, Germany’s Western and European partners — especially the United States, Poland and the Baltic countries — have expressed concern over Germany’s reliance on Russia for natural gas. Construction of a pipeline called Nord Stream 2 was completed last year and further outraged Germany’s partners. The pipeline runs 746 miles under the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast near St. Petersburg to northeastern Germany.

German allies’ repeated warnings that President Vladimir Putin of Russia could use the link as a way to exert energy blackmail over Europe fell on deaf ears in Berlin where, as recently as December, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to the $11 billion pipeline as “a private-sector project.”

Even as Germany tries to become more independent of Russia, Nord Stream 2 is a continuing reminder of a tight relationship.

The undersea pipeline is owned by a subsidiary of Gazprom, but it was financed with money from European energy companies. Two German energy companies, Uniper and Wintershall DEA, along with Austria’s OMV, Energie from France and Shell, put up a total of 950 million euros (about $1.08 billion) in 2017, providing half of the cost of construction.

The pipeline has yet to begin operating, as it awaits approval from a German regulator that is not expected before the second half of this year. But last week, President Joe Biden told reporters in a joint news conference with Scholz that if Russia invaded Ukraine, “then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it.”

Standing nearby, Scholz noticeably didn’t match those words. Although he no longer insists the pipeline is purely an economic undertaking, he has not yet been as forthcoming about preventing it from operating. The financial implications of such a move may be part of his reasoning.

If the German government were to prevent the pipeline from ever going into operation, it could potentially be liable for damages owed to the companies involved, including claims for the years that it should have been in operation.

Those costs could run as high as 40 billion euros, according to estimates worked out by Jonathan Stern, a distinguished research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

“This is only if it is assumed that the pipeline never operates,” he said in an email, stressing that the calculation was based on a lot of assumptions. “It could be claimed that it is just ‘delayed’ i.e. that it could start up in a few years if ‘circumstances change.’”

The ties binding Germany to Russian gas are more than financial. Gerhard Schröder, the chancellor from 1998 to 2005 who preceded Angela Merkel, is known for his cordial ties with Putin. He is the chair of Rosneft, the Russian state oil firm, and chair of Nord Stream, the subsidiary of Gazprom that owns the pipeline, and he has been nominated to join the board of Gazprom.

Recently, the chief executive of a company that gave Nord Stream 2 financial backing, Alfred Stern of OMV, warned against singling out the pipeline at a time when gas levels in Europe were low and prices high.

“I believe that neither Nord Stream 2 nor any other distribution channels need to be seen in isolation,” Stern said. “We should be aware of the fact that we need gas in Europe — there is a shortage of gas, production levels are going down, and demand now and in the near future will remain high.”

And the market for liquefied natural gas may tighten. Concern is growing in the United States that the push to export natural gas is disrupting the domestic market, driving up prices for Americans who rely on it to heat their homes.

“There has been a lot of talk about energy transformation, diversification away from Russia, but realizing we still depend very much on natural gas and Russia,” said Kirsten Westphal, executive director of the H2 Global Foundation and a member of the German Hydrogen Council.

The ultimate solution to this problem, she said, is to focus much more resources on developing clean replacements for natural gas, including hydrogen, which many hope could eventually replace the fossil fuel in existing pipelines and power plants.

“Now is the time for the government to really push for green and clean gases and to quickly transition to green and climate-neutral hydrogen and make the infrastructure hydrogen-ready,” she said.

While that remains the German government’s goal, leaders in the interim have been forced to acknowledge the reality of their reliance on natural gas from Russia and the dangers that dependence poses to Europe’s largest economy.

“Germany is still highly dependent on imports of fossil fuels,” Habeck told lawmakers last month, acknowledging that the expansion of renewables would not happen overnight or without resistance from some corners. “Strategically, it is the right thing to do, not only to protect the climate, but also to increase the resilience of the German economy.”

 
&nbsp;

For decades, Germany has been a steadfast consumer of Russian natural gas, a relationship that has seemingly grown closer over the years, surviving Cold War-era tensions, the breakup of the former Soviet Union and even European sanctions against Moscow over its annexation of Crimea.

For decades, Germany has been a steadfast consumer of Russian natural gas, a relationship that has seemingly grown closer over the years, surviving Cold War-era tensions, the breakup of the former Soviet Union and even European sanctions against Moscow over its annexation of Crimea. Until this winter. Since November, the amount of natural gas arriving in Germany from Russia has plunged, driving prices through the roof and draining reserves. These are changes that Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled energy behemoth, has been regularly pointing out. “As much as 85 percent of the gas injected in Europe’s underground gas storage facilities last summer is already withdrawn,” Gazprom said on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, adding that “facilities in Germany and France are already two-thirds empty.” With tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine — a key transit country for Russian gas — showing few signs of easing, Germany’s new minister for the economy and climate change, Robert Habeck, has begun to raise an issue that was unthinkable just a year or two ago: looking beyond Russia for the country’s natural gas needs. “The geopolitical situation forces us to create other import opportunities and diversify supply,” Habeck, who is a member of the environmentalist Greens, said last week. “We need to act here and secure ourselves better. If we don’t, we will become a pawn in the game.” Now the government is reviving plans for building a terminal for liquefied natural gas, or LNG, on Germany’s northern coast. That proposal, long pushed by Washington, was previously shelved as being too costly. But in recent months, liquefied natural gas, arriving via giant tankers from the United States, Qatar and other locations, has become a vital source of fuel for Europe as supplies piped in from Russia have dwindled. Europe has more than two dozen LNG terminals, including ones in Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium, but the one proposed for Germany’s coast would be the country’s first. The government is also considering rules that would require energy companies to maintain a base level of natural gas in reserve. Last week, the amount of natural gas in the country’s storage tanks had dropped to 35% to 36%, the government said, below the level considered necessary at the start of February to survive a week of bitter cold. Roughly a quarter of all Germany’s natural gas capacity is held in facilities owned by Gazprom, including the country’s largest underground tank. These moves are in addition to efforts to build more renewable sources of power, such as expanding wind and solar capacities. Natural gas is an increasingly critical source of energy for Germany. Last year it accounted for nearly 27% of the energy consumed, according to government figures, an increase from 2020 that is expected to continue when the country shutters its last three nuclear power plants in December and works to phase out coal-burning power plants by 2030. And two-thirds of the gas Germany burned last year came from Russia. For years, Germany’s Western and European partners — especially the United States, Poland and the Baltic countries — have expressed concern over Germany’s reliance on Russia for natural gas. Construction of a pipeline called Nord Stream 2 was completed last year and further outraged Germany’s partners. The pipeline runs 746 miles under the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast near St. Petersburg to northeastern Germany. German allies’ repeated warnings that President Vladimir Putin of Russia could use the link as a way to exert energy blackmail over Europe fell on deaf ears in Berlin where, as recently as December, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to the $11 billion pipeline as “a private-sector project.” Even as Germany tries to become more independent of Russia, Nord Stream 2 is a continuing reminder of a tight relationship. The undersea pipeline is owned by a subsidiary of Gazprom, but it was financed with money from European energy companies. Two German energy companies, Uniper and Wintershall DEA, along with Austria’s OMV, Energie from France and Shell, put up a total of 950 million euros (about $1.08 billion) in 2017, providing half of the cost of construction. The pipeline has yet to begin operating, as it awaits approval from a German regulator that is not expected before the second half of this year. But last week, President Joe Biden told reporters in a joint news conference with Scholz that if Russia invaded Ukraine, “then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it.” Standing nearby, Scholz noticeably didn’t match those words. Although he no longer insists the pipeline is purely an economic undertaking, he has not yet been as forthcoming about preventing it from operating. The financial implications of such a move may be part of his reasoning. If the German government were to prevent the pipeline from ever going into operation, it could potentially be liable for damages owed to the companies involved, including claims for the years that it should have been in operation. Those costs could run as high as 40 billion euros, according to estimates worked out by Jonathan Stern, a distinguished research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. “This is only if it is assumed that the pipeline never operates,” he said in an email, stressing that the calculation was based on a lot of assumptions. “It could be claimed that it is just ‘delayed’ i.e. that it could start up in a few years if ‘circumstances change.’” The ties binding Germany to Russian gas are more than financial. Gerhard Schröder, the chancellor from 1998 to 2005 who preceded Angela Merkel, is known for his cordial ties with Putin. He is the chair of Rosneft, the Russian state oil firm, and chair of Nord Stream, the subsidiary of Gazprom that owns the pipeline, and he has been nominated to join the board of Gazprom. Recently, the chief executive of a company that gave Nord Stream 2 financial backing, Alfred Stern of OMV, warned against singling out the pipeline at a time when gas levels in Europe were low and prices high. “I believe that neither Nord Stream 2 nor any other distribution channels need to be seen in isolation,” Stern said. “We should be aware of the fact that we need gas in Europe — there is a shortage of gas, production levels are going down, and demand now and in the near future will remain high.” And the market for liquefied natural gas may tighten. Concern is growing in the United States that the push to export natural gas is disrupting the domestic market, driving up prices for Americans who rely on it to heat their homes. “There has been a lot of talk about energy transformation, diversification away from Russia, but realizing we still depend very much on natural gas and Russia,” said Kirsten Westphal, executive director of the H2 Global Foundation and a member of the German Hydrogen Council. The ultimate solution to this problem, she said, is to focus much more resources on developing clean replacements for natural gas, including hydrogen, which many hope could eventually replace the fossil fuel in existing pipelines and power plants. “Now is the time for the government to really push for green and clean gases and to quickly transition to green and climate-neutral hydrogen and make the infrastructure hydrogen-ready,” she said. While that remains the German government’s goal, leaders in the interim have been forced to acknowledge the reality of their reliance on natural gas from Russia and the dangers that dependence poses to Europe’s largest economy. “Germany is still highly dependent on imports of fossil fuels,” Habeck told lawmakers last month, acknowledging that the expansion of renewables would not happen overnight or without resistance from some corners. “Strategically, it is the right thing to do, not only to protect the climate, but also to increase the resilience of the German economy.”

Germany tries to loosen its ties to Russian gas pipelines

Austria has opposed to including the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the package of sanctions against Moscow that the European Union is preparing if Russia invades Ukraine.

Austria resists including Nord Stream 2 in EU sanctions

It is an intense week of diplomacy for the West on the Ukraine conflict. While French president Emmanuel Macron headed to Moscow and is on to Kyiv next, German chancellor Olaf Scholz headed to the White House. US President Joe Biden and German chancellor Olaf Scholz held detailed talks on the ongoing crisis but one key sticking point appeared to remain despite all pledges of unity the Nord stream 2 pipeline.

Biden pledges 'No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine'

The United States has threatened to halt the opening of Nord stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine. However, Germany has said that it would not rule out imposing sanctions on the project.

Amid conflict surrounding Russia & Ukraine, US warns that Nord Stream 2 project could be axed

The US warned on Friday that Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project would suffer if it invades Ukraine. Germany had earlier signalled that it was open to taking punitive action over the controversial pipeline.

What is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project?

The project proposes to transport gas from Russia to the European Union with Europe in dire need of gas to sustain its energy requirement. According to the company, it has made "landfall" in the German city of Lubmin in its bid to link other European nations. The pipeline will be built in several phases.

The pipeline seeks to supply gas to millions of households in Germany&nbsp;and is set to pass through the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of major European countries including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.&nbsp;

The pipeline will stretch 1,230 km through the Baltic Sea starting from the coast of Russia and to Greifswald in Germany. Russia's state-owned Gazprom will be pumping gas into the pipeline.

Political tensions over Nord Stream 2

The project has become a centre of controversy after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his government will halt the pipeline if Russia attacks Ukraine.

The $12 billion project has been the focal point of tension for years with eastern European countries including Ukraine and Poland opposing it since it reportedly gives Russia an upper hand to control Europe's energy demands amid growing tensions with Putin's regime.&nbsp;

Germany's energy regulator said the approval process for the pipeline is likely to continue until the second half of this year.

It is also awaiting approval from European Union regulators amid disagreements in Germany's political circles.

Ukraine's shadow over Nord Stream 2

The United States which has consistently opposed the project said the project won't go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has been bitterly opposing&nbsp;the deal.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline like the Nord Stream 1 bypasses Ukraine which means it cannot claim the lucrative transit fee. However, sanctions threat&nbsp;looms over the project due to Russia's border row with Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US warned on Friday that Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project would suffer if it invades Ukraine. Germany had earlier signalled that it was open to taking punitive action over the controversial pipeline.

The US warned on Friday that Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project would suffer if it invades Ukraine. Germany had earlier signalled that it was open to taking punitive action over the controversial pipeline. What is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project? The project proposes to transport gas from Russia to the European Union with Europe in dire need of gas to sustain its energy requirement. According to the company, it has made "landfall" in the German city of Lubmin in its bid to link other European nations. The pipeline will be built in several phases. The pipeline seeks to supply gas to millions of households in Germany and is set to pass through the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of major European countries including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The pipeline will stretch 1,230 km through the Baltic Sea starting from the coast of Russia and to Greifswald in Germany. Russia's state-owned Gazprom will be pumping gas into the pipeline. Political tensions over Nord Stream 2 The project has become a centre of controversy after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his government will halt the pipeline if Russia attacks Ukraine. The $12 billion project has been the focal point of tension for years with eastern European countries including Ukraine and Poland opposing it since it reportedly gives Russia an upper hand to control Europe's energy demands amid growing tensions with Putin's regime. Germany's energy regulator said the approval process for the pipeline is likely to continue until the second half of this year. It is also awaiting approval from European Union regulators amid disagreements in Germany's political circles. Ukraine's shadow over Nord Stream 2 The United States which has consistently opposed the project said the project won't go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has been bitterly opposing the deal. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline like the Nord Stream 1 bypasses Ukraine which means it cannot claim the lucrative transit fee. However, sanctions threat looms over the project due to Russia's border row with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Explained: Why is Nord Stream 2 pipeline crucial in Russia-Ukraine tensions?

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is at the centre of a disagreement between Germany and the US. How an $11-billion pipeline project connecting Germany and Russia has divided the West? WION tells you in this report.

Geopolitical drama over Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

US President Joe Biden has vowed to support Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskiy as it grapples with aggression from Moscow.

Biden told the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office, "The United States remains firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

From NATO membership to Nord Stream 2 pipeline several topics of mutual interests were discussed by the two leaders.

Biden has offered Kyiv $60 million in new security aid including Javelin anti-armor systems and other "defensive lethal and nonlethal capabilities."

However, Biden has shown no sign of moving on Ukraine's requests to open NATO to the eastern European country after a standoff with Russia this year in which Moscow massed additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-president-zelensky-slams-russian-aggression-during-his-visit-to-us-warship-395916/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and backed separatists in a conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, which Ukraine says has killed 14,000 people.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki underscored that Ukraine needed to modernise its defense sector and advance rule-of-law reforms in order to meet NATO membership standards.

The White House visit was undoubtedly a triumph for Zelensky, who has been trying to line one up since he took office in 2019.

He is the second European leader to get a White House meeting so far under Biden.

The meeting came after the Biden administration announced a deal last month with Germany intended partly to allay Ukrainian concerns about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea to carry gas from Russia's Arctic region to Germany.

The White House says it remains concerned by the geostrategic implications of the pipeline, which will funnel energy directly from Russia to Germany, bypassing the previous route through&nbsp;Ukraine.&nbsp;

The two countries said in a joint statement after the meeting that they both oppose the project and "support efforts to increase capacity for gas supplies to Ukraine from diversified sources."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has vowed to support Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskiy as it grapples with aggression from Moscow. Biden told the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office, "The United States remains firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to support Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskiy as it grapples with aggression from Moscow. Biden told the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office, "The United States remains firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations." From NATO membership to Nord Stream 2 pipeline several topics of mutual interests were discussed by the two leaders. Biden has offered Kyiv $60 million in new security aid including Javelin anti-armor systems and other "defensive lethal and nonlethal capabilities." However, Biden has shown no sign of moving on Ukraine's requests to open NATO to the eastern European country after a standoff with Russia this year in which Moscow massed additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders. Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and backed separatists in a conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, which Ukraine says has killed 14,000 people. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki underscored that Ukraine needed to modernise its defense sector and advance rule-of-law reforms in order to meet NATO membership standards. The White House visit was undoubtedly a triumph for Zelensky, who has been trying to line one up since he took office in 2019. He is the second European leader to get a White House meeting so far under Biden. The meeting came after the Biden administration announced a deal last month with Germany intended partly to allay Ukrainian concerns about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea to carry gas from Russia's Arctic region to Germany. The White House says it remains concerned by the geostrategic implications of the pipeline, which will funnel energy directly from Russia to Germany, bypassing the previous route through Ukraine. The two countries said in a joint statement after the meeting that they both oppose the project and "support efforts to increase capacity for gas supplies to Ukraine from diversified sources." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden vows support to Ukraine, offers $60 million in new security aid

Berlin has warned Russia that any increase in tensions in Ukraine can have a direct impact on the much-awaited Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline plan.<o:p></o:p>

Germany's new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on Saturday, said that that Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will not be allowed to operate at all if there is any kind of new escalation in Ukraine. "In the event of further escalation this gas pipeline could not come into service," Baerbock told German television station ZDF.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-threatens-russia-with-severe-sanctions-if-ukraine-is-attacked-435291">Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved</a></o:p>

Her warning came a little after the new Chancellor Olaf Scholz had also lent support to Ukraine in this situation. "It would be a serious mistake to believe that violating the borders of a European country would remain without consequences," he had warned.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;"We will also help Ukraine be a country that will be a major source of renewable energy and the necessary production that results from that. We are in concrete talks around how we can help achieve that," Scholz said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has also urged Germany to suspend the pipeline project. Morawiecki believes that Russia can use this project to later ‘blackmail’ Europe. "It would be better not to allow the opening of&nbsp;Nord&nbsp;Stream 2," Morawiecki said. "I drew the chancellor's attention to the risks linked to the opening of the&nbsp;Nord&nbsp;Stream 2 gas pipeline and sadly the extent to which... these risks for Ukraine could get considerably worse."<o:p></o:p>

The Nord pipeline 2 has backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was initially supported by Germany’s previous Chancellor Angela Merkel in the past few years. <o:p></o:p>

Recently, several other western countries warned Germany for being ‘too dependent’ upon Russia. However, Berlin has made sure the country makes it clear that Germany will “do anything” to make sure that Ukraine is not bullied out of being a transit country for Russian gas exports in Europe.<o:p></o:p>

Berlin has warned Russia that any increase in tensions in Ukraine can have a direct impact on the much-awaited Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline plan. Germany's new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on Saturday, said that that Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will not be allowed to operate at all if there is any kind of new escalation in Ukraine.

Berlin has warned Russia that any increase in tensions in Ukraine can have a direct impact on the much-awaited Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline plan. Germany's new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on Saturday, said that that Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will not be allowed to operate at all if there is any kind of new escalation in Ukraine. "In the event of further escalation this gas pipeline could not come into service," Baerbock told German television station ZDF. Also read | Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved Her warning came a little after the new Chancellor Olaf Scholz had also lent support to Ukraine in this situation. "It would be a serious mistake to believe that violating the borders of a European country would remain without consequences," he had warned. "We will also help Ukraine be a country that will be a major source of renewable energy and the necessary production that results from that. We are in concrete talks around how we can help achieve that," Scholz said. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has also urged Germany to suspend the pipeline project. Morawiecki believes that Russia can use this project to later ‘blackmail’ Europe. "It would be better not to allow the opening of Nord Stream 2," Morawiecki said. "I drew the chancellor's attention to the risks linked to the opening of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and sadly the extent to which... these risks for Ukraine could get considerably worse." The Nord pipeline 2 has backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was initially supported by Germany’s previous Chancellor Angela Merkel in the past few years. Recently, several other western countries warned Germany for being ‘too dependent’ upon Russia. However, Berlin has made sure the country makes it clear that Germany will “do anything” to make sure that Ukraine is not bullied out of being a transit country for Russian gas exports in Europe.

Nord Stream pipeline to be suspended if Russia escalates in Ukraine, Germany warns

nord-stream-2

Nord Stream 2, News on Nord Stream 2, stories on Nord Stream 2, articles on Nord Stream 2, Nord Stream 2 stories at Wion, Nord Stream 2 news, Nord Stream 2 latest news

nord stream-2