The US and Germany issued a joint statement on 21 July giving the go-ahead to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, now 99 percent complete, with Washington committing not to slap any more sanctions against it, and Berlin, its main European benefactor and beneficiary, vowing to negotiate an extension of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit agreement.
The only thing that could stop the construction of the almost-completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is an all-out row between the US and key NATO ally Germany, believes a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.
Nord Stream 2 aims to carry 55 billion cubic metres of gas a year across the Baltic Sea, bypassing Ukraine, which is now especially concerned over the looming halt in transit payments.
Commenting on the failure of the anti-Nord Stream 2 pressure campaign, Oleg Voloshyn, a member of the Opposition Platform — For Life political party, suggested “the only real way” the megaproject could be derailed is if there was a “colossal rupture” of ties between Washington and Berlin.
The parliamentarian suggested that under such a scenario, however, US actions would have long-term consequences for international relations.
Nord Stream 2 99% Complete
Nord Stream 2 operator Nord Stream 2 AG earlier announced that the first of the project's two lines was now finished, with construction on the second being wrapped up. Nord Stream 2 is set to be put into operation…
