A close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly working behind the scenes to restart the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This pipeline was meant to carry Russian natural gas to Europe but was severely damaged in a mysterious sabotage attack in September 2022.
According to sources, this high-ranking official is trying to connect with US politicians through American businessmen. His goal is to convince the United States to support the revival of the pipeline, which was halted due to international sanctions.
This effort is not just about restoring a pipeline. It is part of a larger conversation between Russia and the United States about ending the war in Ukraine and fixing economic relations between the two countries. While these talks are happening in secret, they could have a massive impact on global energy markets and politics.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was initially built to transport Russian gas directly to Germany, reducing Europe’s reliance on pipelines running through Ukraine. However, before it could become operational, tensions between Russia and the West escalated, leading to its suspension. The project became even more controversial after the sabotage attack, which remains unsolved to this day.
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Major Hurdles: US Sanctions and German Approval
Bringing Nord Stream 2 back to life will not be easy. The United States imposed strong sanctions on the pipeline project in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden. These sanctions also targeted the company in charge of the pipeline and key individuals involved in the project. For the pipeline to operate again, Washington would have to lift these sanctions, which is unlikely without major political shifts.
Germany also plays a crucial role in this situation. The country would need to approve the resumption of Russian gas supplies. However, Berlin has been cautious due to tensions between Russia and Europe. Many European countries continue to impose strict sanctions on Russia, and allowing Nord Stream 2 to function again could create serious divisions within the European Union.
Despite these obstacles, the Putin ally behind this push is hoping that secret discussions and backchannel negotiations might lead to a breakthrough. However, no official agreement has been made so far.
The pipeline’s revival would not only require lifting sanctions but also financial investments for repairs. Since the 2022 sabotage, large sections of the pipeline remain damaged, and fixing them would be expensive. It is unclear who would bear the cost of restoring the infrastructure if the project moves forward.
US Officials and European Leaders Express Doubts
While these lobbying efforts are ongoing, US officials have voiced strong skepticism about the possibility of Nord Stream 2’s revival. A US government representative, speaking anonymously, warned that allowing Russian gas to flow through Nord Stream 2 again could cause serious disagreements within Europe. Many European leaders remain firmly against any move that could strengthen Russia economically while the war in Ukraine continues.
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Several European officials, who are aware of these private talks, have also raised concerns. They fear that any step toward reopening Nord Stream 2 could weaken European unity and undermine efforts to pressure Russia through sanctions. The pipeline was fully owned by Russia but was partially funded by five major European energy companies. This makes the issue even more complicated, as different nations and businesses have competing interests.
Additionally, there is concern that restoring Nord Stream 2 could make Europe more dependent on Russian energy once again. Many European countries have spent the past two years finding alternative sources of natural gas, including increased imports from the United States, Norway, and the Middle East. Restarting the pipeline could reverse some of those efforts and shift Europe’s energy balance back toward Russia.
For now, the future of Nord Stream 2 remains uncertain. The behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts continue, but there are no signs yet that the US or Germany are willing to change their stance. The pipeline remains damaged and inactive, while tensions between Russia, the United States, and Europe remain high.
