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

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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)

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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

Russia's Gazprom halted gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline citing repair work. How will this shutdown affect Europe's mission to save supplies gas for the winter? Is Putin winning the energy war? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russia shuts Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to Europe

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, energy giant Gazprom suspended gas supplies through Nord Stream to Europe on Wednesday (August 31), citing maintenance work. This comes as the conflict in Ukraine raises fears for energy supplies to the European countries.&nbsp;

The energy giant has said that the supply has been suspended of a single pumping unit at the Portovaya compressor station.&nbsp;

The company said in a brief statement, "Supplies via Nord Stream completely stopped as preventative work begins today at a gas compressor unit."&nbsp;

Gazprom suspended gas deliveries to Germany,&nbsp;which is heavily dependent on Russian gas. Meanwhile, the country&nbsp;has accused Russia&nbsp;of using energy as a "weapon".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-soviet-president-mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-511620">Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91</a>&nbsp;

A day before the planned shutdown, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that nothing stands in the way of Russian gas exports to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline apart from technological problems caused by Western sanctions.

On being asked about the guarantees of restoration, Peskov said, "There are guarantees that, apart from technological problems caused by sanctions, nothing hinders the supplies."&nbsp;

Peskov told reporters, "European countries, Canada, the USA, Great Britain imposed sanctions against the Russian Federation, which do not allow carrying out normal maintenance and repair work, and also do not allow legal registration of the return of components and assemblies to their places of operation."&nbsp;

Peskov added: "There are no other obstacles for Russia to fulfil its obligations."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-from-mcdonalds-to-pizza-hut-how-mikhail-gorbachev-brought-capitalism-to-russia-511714">Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;IAEA team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant&nbsp;

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While reacting to that, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of economic terrorism as the cost of Europe's energy crisis spiralled.&nbsp;

Zelensky said, "Russia uses economic terror, pressures with price crises and poverty to weaken Europe just when it needs its full strength to defend against the terror at war that Russia has been conducting for over six months —&nbsp;a full-scale war, and in total its interference to us (is continuing) for eight years now."&nbsp;

"This is exactly what the Russian state, its officials and companies, such as Gazprom, are working for now — to create crises and to turn crises into disasters," he added.&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, energy giant Gazprom suspended gas supplies through Nord Stream to Europe on Wednesday (August 31), citing maintenance work.

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, energy giant Gazprom suspended gas supplies through Nord Stream to Europe on Wednesday (August 31), citing maintenance work. This comes as the conflict in Ukraine raises fears for energy supplies to the European countries. The energy giant has said that the supply has been suspended of a single pumping unit at the Portovaya compressor station. The company said in a brief statement, "Supplies via Nord Stream completely stopped as preventative work begins today at a gas compressor unit." Gazprom suspended gas deliveries to Germany, which is heavily dependent on Russian gas. Meanwhile, the country has accused Russia of using energy as a "weapon". ALSO READ | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 A day before the planned shutdown, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that nothing stands in the way of Russian gas exports to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline apart from technological problems caused by Western sanctions. On being asked about the guarantees of restoration, Peskov said, "There are guarantees that, apart from technological problems caused by sanctions, nothing hinders the supplies." Peskov told reporters, "European countries, Canada, the USA, Great Britain imposed sanctions against the Russian Federation, which do not allow carrying out normal maintenance and repair work, and also do not allow legal registration of the return of components and assemblies to their places of operation." Peskov added: "There are no other obstacles for Russia to fulfil its obligations." ALSO READ | Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia WATCH | IAEA team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant × While reacting to that, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of economic terrorism as the cost of Europe's energy crisis spiralled. Zelensky said, "Russia uses economic terror, pressures with price crises and poverty to weaken Europe just when it needs its full strength to defend against the terror at war that Russia has been conducting for over six months — a full-scale war, and in total its interference to us (is continuing) for eight years now." "This is exactly what the Russian state, its officials and companies, such as Gazprom, are working for now — to create crises and to turn crises into disasters," he added. 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.

Russian energy giant Gazprom halts Nord Stream 1 gas supplies for maintenance

European gas prices once again rose to record highs on Thursday's fears over Russia halting gas supplies. The prices spiked in recent days is due to the three-day halt in Russian deliveries to Germany.

Gazprom to halt gas supplies to Germany via Nord Stream 1

Russian natural gas giant Gazprom said on Monday (July 25) that it is cutting gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline to 33 million cubic metres a day from Wednesday. This is 20 per cent of the pipeline's capacity. Nord Stream supplies gas to Europe. The state-owned company said that it was stopping operations of one of last two operating turbines because of &nbsp;"technical condition of the engine". Gazprom said that supplies from Portovaya compressor station will be slashed on Wednesday after 7 am Moscow time.

The announcement has elicited reaction from Europe with Germany saying there was no technical jurisdiction for Gazprom's announcement.

"According to the information we have there is no technical reason for a reduction of deliveries," a German economy ministry spokeswoman told AFP.

German group Siemens energy has been charged with maintenance of the turbine. Siemens said in a statement to AFP that there was "no link between the turbine and the gas cuts that have been implemented or announced".

Latest step from Gazprom has come after restoration of gas supply to Europe via Nord Stream last week. The supply was restored after 10 days of maintenace.

Germany is heavily dependent on Russian gas. It has accused Moscow of using gas as a weapon to exert political pressure. Other countries in the West have also alleged that Russia is trying to shoot back after economic sanctions were imposed on it in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

Gazprom cut flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a Siemens gas turbine that was undergoing repairs in Canada.

Earlier Monday, Gazprom said it had received paperwork related to the delayed delivery of the turbine but pointed out a number of issues remained, including those relating to EU and UK sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian natural gas giant Gazprom said on Monday (July 25) that it is cutting gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline to 33 million cubic metres a day from Wednesday.

Russian natural gas giant Gazprom said on Monday (July 25) that it is cutting gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline to 33 million cubic metres a day from Wednesday. This is 20 per cent of the pipeline's capacity. Nord Stream supplies gas to Europe. The state-owned company said that it was stopping operations of one of last two operating turbines because of "technical condition of the engine". Gazprom said that supplies from Portovaya compressor station will be slashed on Wednesday after 7 am Moscow time. The announcement has elicited reaction from Europe with Germany saying there was no technical jurisdiction for Gazprom's announcement. "According to the information we have there is no technical reason for a reduction of deliveries," a German economy ministry spokeswoman told AFP. German group Siemens energy has been charged with maintenance of the turbine. Siemens said in a statement to AFP that there was "no link between the turbine and the gas cuts that have been implemented or announced". Latest step from Gazprom has come after restoration of gas supply to Europe via Nord Stream last week. The supply was restored after 10 days of maintenace. Germany is heavily dependent on Russian gas. It has accused Moscow of using gas as a weapon to exert political pressure. Other countries in the West have also alleged that Russia is trying to shoot back after economic sanctions were imposed on it in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. Gazprom cut flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a Siemens gas turbine that was undergoing repairs in Canada. Earlier Monday, Gazprom said it had received paperwork related to the delayed delivery of the turbine but pointed out a number of issues remained, including those relating to EU and UK sanctions. (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 ×

Gazprom to cut down gas deliveries through Nord Stream

Russia is expected to restart the gas supplies via the North Stream One pipeline on time. This, as per the EU was preparing for Russia to delay the gas supplies after the North Stream One pipeline was shut down for its annual maintenance on July 11.

EU dependent on Nord Stream 1 for gas, 'Gazprom will fulfill obligations,' says Putin

Hungary has declared an 'energy emergency' amid falling Russian shipments. Gazprom is hinting at an extended delay in resuming the Nord Stream gas supply. How can Europe ensure energy security for the upcoming winter? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Hungary declares energy emergency

The Nord Stream 1, a major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, shut down for annual maintenance on Monday, as Berlin grew concerned that Moscow may not resume the flow of gas as scheduled. Molly Gambhir tells you why Europe is jittery after the pipeline shutdown.

WION Fineprint | Nord Stream Shutdown: Is Russia cutting off Europe's gas supply?

Gazprom, the Russian gas giant announced on Wednesday (June 15) that it was cutting daily gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline by further 33 per cent. The step has been taken after Germany slammed an earlier cut as having been political.

"From 01:30 am Moscow time on June 16 the daily output of the Portovaya compression station will be up to 67 million cubic metres per day," Gazprom said in a statement on Telegram.&nbsp;

The company added it was halting the operation of a gas turbine due to the "technical condition of the engine".&nbsp;

Germany, meanwhile, has accused Russia of trying to 'drive up' gas prices.

Watch | Ukraine under attack: Is Severodonetsk the next Mariupol?

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"It is obviously the strategy to unsettle and drive up prices," said Germany's Economy MInister&nbsp;Robert Habeck. He stressed that&nbsp;"saving energy is the order of the day".

On Tuesday (June 14) Gazprom announced a 40 per cent cut in gas deliveries due to "repair" work on compressor units by German company Siemens.

Habeck said at the time that&nbsp;move was a "political decision and not a technically justifiable solution".&nbsp;

The minister said that while he was aware of the need to service the pipeline, it did not need such a drastic cut in gas deliveries.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justice-for-ukraine-no-longer-the-top-concern-for-european-public-new-survey-shows-488378">‘Justice for Ukraine’ no longer the top concern for European public, new survey shows</a>

Moscow has lost several European gas clients after it demanded that all "unfriendly" countries pay for Russian natural gas in rubles in response to a barrage of Western sanctions over Ukraine.

Poland, Bulgaria, Finland and the Netherlands have had their natural gas deliveries suspended over refusing to pay in rubles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gazprom, the Russian gas giant announced on Wednesday (June 15) that it was cutting daily gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline by further 33 per cent. The step has been taken after Germany slammed an earlier cut as having been political.

Gazprom, the Russian gas giant announced on Wednesday (June 15) that it was cutting daily gas deliveries through Nord Stream pipeline by further 33 per cent. The step has been taken after Germany slammed an earlier cut as having been political. "From 01:30 am Moscow time on June 16 the daily output of the Portovaya compression station will be up to 67 million cubic metres per day," Gazprom said in a statement on Telegram. The company added it was halting the operation of a gas turbine due to the "technical condition of the engine". Germany, meanwhile, has accused Russia of trying to 'drive up' gas prices. Watch | Ukraine under attack: Is Severodonetsk the next Mariupol? × "It is obviously the strategy to unsettle and drive up prices," said Germany's Economy MInister Robert Habeck. He stressed that "saving energy is the order of the day". On Tuesday (June 14) Gazprom announced a 40 per cent cut in gas deliveries due to "repair" work on compressor units by German company Siemens. Habeck said at the time that move was a "political decision and not a technically justifiable solution". The minister said that while he was aware of the need to service the pipeline, it did not need such a drastic cut in gas deliveries. Also Read | ‘Justice for Ukraine’ no longer the top concern for European public, new survey shows Moscow has lost several European gas clients after it demanded that all "unfriendly" countries pay for Russian natural gas in rubles in response to a barrage of Western sanctions over Ukraine. Poland, Bulgaria, Finland and the Netherlands have had their natural gas deliveries suspended over refusing to pay in rubles. (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 ×

Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes

As West allies attempt to avert a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nord Stream 2, a long-touted energy infrastructure project has driven a wedge between Germany and the United States.

Russia-Ukraine Tensions: United States warns, Nord stream 2 could be axed

Amidst surging European gas prices, Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that the north stream 2 undersea gas pipeline would help calm gas prices since it was ready for exports, listen in.

'Nord Stream 2 link ready to calm gas prices,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

Why is Nord Stream 2 pipeline controversial but unstoppable?

Nord Stream 2: The US has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical manoeuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe.

Biden meets Merkel at White House, raises concerns about Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's &nbsp;Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline. This may put pressure on Biden administration to block the Russian project.

"These sanctions are mandatory not discretionary," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat and a sponsor of the amendment to a foreign aid bill. The House panel passed it unanimously.

The amendment passed by the House of Representatives panel seeks to repeal sanctions waiver in fiscal year 2022. But the pipeline is 95 per cent finished. The bill however, has a long way to go before becoming a law. The amendment needs to pass another House committee, the full House, the Senate. Biden will then sign the bill into the law.

In May, the State Department sent to Congress a report that concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately waived those sanctions, saying it was in the U.S. national interest.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has opposed the $11 billion project that would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, saying it is a bad deal for Europe. But Biden also wants to improve ties with Germany, an ally he needs to help deal with broader issues including climate change, the economic recovery and relations with Iran and China. The United States is an exporter of natural gas to Europe in the form of LNG, but Russian gas is cheaper.

Washington fears Russia could use Nord Stream 2 as leverage to weaken European Union states by increasing their dependency on Moscow. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle against Russian aggression.

(With inputs from agencies)

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline.

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline. This may put pressure on Biden administration to block the Russian project. "These sanctions are mandatory not discretionary," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat and a sponsor of the amendment to a foreign aid bill. The House panel passed it unanimously. The amendment passed by the House of Representatives panel seeks to repeal sanctions waiver in fiscal year 2022. But the pipeline is 95 per cent finished. The bill however, has a long way to go before becoming a law. The amendment needs to pass another House committee, the full House, the Senate. Biden will then sign the bill into the law. In May, the State Department sent to Congress a report that concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately waived those sanctions, saying it was in the U.S. national interest. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has opposed the $11 billion project that would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, saying it is a bad deal for Europe. But Biden also wants to improve ties with Germany, an ally he needs to help deal with broader issues including climate change, the economic recovery and relations with Iran and China. The United States is an exporter of natural gas to Europe in the form of LNG, but Russian gas is cheaper. Washington fears Russia could use Nord Stream 2 as leverage to weaken European Union states by increasing their dependency on Moscow. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle against Russian aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

US House panel passes amendment seeking to repeal waivers on Nord Stream 2

Germany could stop gas flowing through the almost-complete Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow breaks the terms of the arrangement or uses it to put pressure on Ukraine, conservative chancellor candidate Armin Laschet said on Saturday. 
 
The pipeline is a source of tension with the US&nbsp;administration, which argues that it gives too much leverage to Russian President Vladimir Putin by increasing Europe's energy dependence on Russia. 
 
Gazprom and its Western partners have completed 95% of the pipeline to send natural gas under the Baltic Sea, bypassing Ukraine and depriving it of lucrative transit fees. 
 
Armin Laschet, who is favourite to succeed his CDU party colleague Angela Merkel when she steps down as chancellor after September's election, said in a televised foreign policy debate that the 95%-complete pipeline should be finished. 
 
But if Russia failed to stick to the rules, or used the pipeline against Ukraine, he said, "We can always discontinue this project, even after the pipeline is finished". 
 
Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, chancellor candidate for the centre-left SPD, took the same line, saying: "Anything that impinges on gas transit and Ukraine's security has consequences for potential transit through the completed pipeline." 
 
But Annalena Baerbock, the candidate for the environmentalist Greens, who are running second in opinion polls and could replace the SPD as the conservatives' junior coalition partner, repeated her opposition to the pipeline. 
 
"Imagine a winter in Europe," she said. "We won't be able to say 'Now we don't have any more gas'. Mr Putin wants to destabilise not only Ukraine but us as Europeans." 
 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a recorded appeal to the candidates to guarantee his country's security and provide it with a path to membership of the European Union. 
 
Both Laschet and Scholz said Ukraine was not the next priority for EU enlargement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany could stop gas flowing through the almost-complete Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow breaks the terms of the arrangement or uses it to put pressure on Ukraine, conservative chancellor candidate Armin Laschet said on Saturday.

Germany could stop gas flowing through the almost-complete Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow breaks the terms of the arrangement or uses it to put pressure on Ukraine, conservative chancellor candidate Armin Laschet said on Saturday. The pipeline is a source of tension with the US administration, which argues that it gives too much leverage to Russian President Vladimir Putin by increasing Europe's energy dependence on Russia. Gazprom and its Western partners have completed 95% of the pipeline to send natural gas under the Baltic Sea, bypassing Ukraine and depriving it of lucrative transit fees. Armin Laschet, who is favourite to succeed his CDU party colleague Angela Merkel when she steps down as chancellor after September's election, said in a televised foreign policy debate that the 95%-complete pipeline should be finished. But if Russia failed to stick to the rules, or used the pipeline against Ukraine, he said, "We can always discontinue this project, even after the pipeline is finished". Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, chancellor candidate for the centre-left SPD, took the same line, saying: "Anything that impinges on gas transit and Ukraine's security has consequences for potential transit through the completed pipeline." But Annalena Baerbock, the candidate for the environmentalist Greens, who are running second in opinion polls and could replace the SPD as the conservatives' junior coalition partner, repeated her opposition to the pipeline. "Imagine a winter in Europe," she said. "We won't be able to say 'Now we don't have any more gas'. Mr Putin wants to destabilise not only Ukraine but us as Europeans." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a recorded appeal to the candidates to guarantee his country's security and provide it with a path to membership of the European Union. Both Laschet and Scholz said Ukraine was not the next priority for EU enlargement. (With inputs from agencies)

Nord Stream pipeline could be halted if Russia abuses it: German CDU chancellor candidate

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it.

This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021.

America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies:&nbsp;Germany.

Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside.

Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US.&nbsp;It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly.

So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone.&nbsp;

The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia&nbsp;to Lumbin in Germany.

It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea.

And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US.

Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed.

That's not it. America also fears losing its influence.

Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality.

And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine.

When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project.

That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project.

And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy.

Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies.

So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2.

What did it do?

Number one:&nbsp;To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2.

Number two:&nbsp;To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2.

A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following:

"Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved."

Here's the real deal.

To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO.

How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken.

It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'.

The real story lies between the lines.

Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war.

And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops. Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it. This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021. America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies: Germany. Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside. Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US. It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly. So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone. The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia to Lumbin in Germany. It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea. And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US. Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed. That's not it. America also fears losing its influence. Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality. And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine. When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project. That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project. And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy. Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies. So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2. What did it do? Number one: To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2. Number two: To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2. A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following: "Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved." Here's the real deal. To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO. How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken. It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'. The real story lies between the lines. Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war. And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

What is Nord Stream 2 fuss all about? Read on

The United States is waiving sanctions on the company that is behind Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipelines and its chief executive. The decision comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a high level face to face meeting and agreed to work on differences between the two countries.

United States waiving sanctions on company behind Nord Stream 2

Germany should not drop support for the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia over the crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, as "feel-good moralising" is not foreign policy, the man best placed to be the next German chancellor told Reuters.

Pointing to U.S. purchases of crude oil from Russia, Armin Laschet described himself as a political realist - or "Realpolitiker" - and said: "We have to take the world as it is in order to make it better."

Laschet, who last month won an election to the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU), said both values and interests were important in diplomacy.

"But feel-good moralising and domestic slogans are not foreign policy," Laschet, who is premier of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, said in an interview that focused on understanding his little-known views on international affairs.

Laschet`s election to the CDU chair makes him the frontrunner to take over as chancellor from Merkel, who after 15 years in office has said she will not seek a fifth term following September elections.

Asked directly whether Germany should change course and renounce the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, Laschet replied: "For 50 years, even in the aggressive times of the Cold War, Germany has bought gas from the Soviet Union, now from Russia. The German government is following the right course."

Germany is facing growing pressure to repudiate Nord Stream 2 over the Navalny affair: at home, from the ecologist Greens - potential coalition partners for Laschet`s CDU - and abroad from the United States, and much of Europe.

Navalny, sentenced on Tuesday to 3-1/2 years in jail after a Moscow court ruled he had violated the terms of his parole, was arrested on Jan. 17 after returning to Russia from Germany where he was treated for poisoning with a military-grade nerve agent.

Moscow has accused the West of hysteria and double standards over Navalny and told it to stay out of its internal affairs.

Laschet stressed that he had criticised the attack on Navalny and his imprisonment, and also supported European Union sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

"We must guarantee Ukraine`s geopolitical interests and secure our energy supply through this private-sector project," he said of Nord Stream 2.

The project, set to launch this year, has split the EU, with some members saying it will undermine traditional gas transit state Ukraine and deepen the EU`s energy reliance on Russia.

Germany`s ecologist Greens, the most likely coalition partner for the CDU and its Bavarian sister party after September`s elections, have doubled down on their opposition to the pipeline following the Navalny affair.

Laschet did not believe these differences would be a coalition deal breaker. "I don`t think Nord Stream 2 will be a big election issue.

Moreover, I think consensus with the Greens, for example, is possible."

Laschet viewed Germany as "deeply anchored in the West" and saw the United States as "our closest non-European partner". As for China, Germany must criticise its human rights violations, he said. "But at the same time, we trade with China."

EURO BONDS, DEBT BRAKE

On Europe, Western Balkan states should retain the prospect of EU accession if they fulfil the entry criteria, Laschet said, adding: "Turkey is unfortunately moving further and further away from the rule of law principles of the European Union."

He opposed introducing jointly issued debt, also known as euro bonds - a policy option some EU countries want to become a permanent tool after the bloc resorted to it to fund economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

"I don`t see euro bonds. And with regard to the EU Commission`s borrowing, I say: this is now a one-time thing for six years," Laschet said in a nod to taxpayers who don`t want Europe`s biggest economy necessarily on the hook for any bailouts to more financially challenged member states.

On fiscal policy, Laschet rejected a proposal from Merkel`s chief of staff to soften Germany`s debt issuance law, allowing continued deficit spending, on grounds Berlin would be unable to stick to strict borrowing limits for several more years.

"The rules are good. The mechanisms contain the necessary flexibility - both the (EU`s 1992) Maastricht Treaty and the debt brake of our Basic Law," Laschet said.

Germany should not drop support for the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia over the crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, as "feel-good moralising" is not foreign policy, the man best placed to be the next German chancellor told Reuters.

Germany should not drop support for the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia over the crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, as "feel-good moralising" is not foreign policy, the man best placed to be the next German chancellor told Reuters. Pointing to U.S. purchases of crude oil from Russia, Armin Laschet described himself as a political realist - or "Realpolitiker" - and said: "We have to take the world as it is in order to make it better." Laschet, who last month won an election to the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU), said both values and interests were important in diplomacy. "But feel-good moralising and domestic slogans are not foreign policy," Laschet, who is premier of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, said in an interview that focused on understanding his little-known views on international affairs. Laschet`s election to the CDU chair makes him the frontrunner to take over as chancellor from Merkel, who after 15 years in office has said she will not seek a fifth term following September elections. Asked directly whether Germany should change course and renounce the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, Laschet replied: "For 50 years, even in the aggressive times of the Cold War, Germany has bought gas from the Soviet Union, now from Russia. The German government is following the right course." Germany is facing growing pressure to repudiate Nord Stream 2 over the Navalny affair: at home, from the ecologist Greens - potential coalition partners for Laschet`s CDU - and abroad from the United States, and much of Europe. Navalny, sentenced on Tuesday to 3-1/2 years in jail after a Moscow court ruled he had violated the terms of his parole, was arrested on Jan. 17 after returning to Russia from Germany where he was treated for poisoning with a military-grade nerve agent. Moscow has accused the West of hysteria and double standards over Navalny and told it to stay out of its internal affairs. Laschet stressed that he had criticised the attack on Navalny and his imprisonment, and also supported European Union sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. "We must guarantee Ukraine`s geopolitical interests and secure our energy supply through this private-sector project," he said of Nord Stream 2. The project, set to launch this year, has split the EU, with some members saying it will undermine traditional gas transit state Ukraine and deepen the EU`s energy reliance on Russia. Germany`s ecologist Greens, the most likely coalition partner for the CDU and its Bavarian sister party after September`s elections, have doubled down on their opposition to the pipeline following the Navalny affair. Laschet did not believe these differences would be a coalition deal breaker. "I don`t think Nord Stream 2 will be a big election issue. Moreover, I think consensus with the Greens, for example, is possible." Laschet viewed Germany as "deeply anchored in the West" and saw the United States as "our closest non-European partner". As for China, Germany must criticise its human rights violations, he said. "But at the same time, we trade with China." EURO BONDS, DEBT BRAKE On Europe, Western Balkan states should retain the prospect of EU accession if they fulfil the entry criteria, Laschet said, adding: "Turkey is unfortunately moving further and further away from the rule of law principles of the European Union." He opposed introducing jointly issued debt, also known as euro bonds - a policy option some EU countries want to become a permanent tool after the bloc resorted to it to fund economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. "I don`t see euro bonds. And with regard to the EU Commission`s borrowing, I say: this is now a one-time thing for six years," Laschet said in a nod to taxpayers who don`t want Europe`s biggest economy necessarily on the hook for any bailouts to more financially challenged member states. On fiscal policy, Laschet rejected a proposal from Merkel`s chief of staff to soften Germany`s debt issuance law, allowing continued deficit spending, on grounds Berlin would be unable to stick to strict borrowing limits for several more years. "The rules are good. The mechanisms contain the necessary flexibility - both the (EU`s 1992) Maastricht Treaty and the debt brake of our Basic Law," Laschet said.

Navalny affair no grounds to cancel Nord Stream pipeline, new German CDU chief says

Abandoning the nearly complete Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany could create a legal mess and nudge up energy costs for European households but Germany would cope with any disruption to supplies, economists say. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas at the weekend questioned the project -- thus far supported by Germany -- following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny leads Germany to review Nord Stream 2 project

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