Germany, US warn Putin; Nord Stream 2 could be canceled

Germany and the US have warned Russia that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline could be in tatters if Russia invades Ukraine.

It is now clear that Nord Stream 2 will not move forward if Russia violates Ukraine’s sovereignty. The pipeline was set to send Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea.

Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine, further cutting it and its resources from the rest of Europe. The country has always condemned the deal by calling it a “dangerous weapon.”

The pipeline that cost over $10b to build over the span of five years has been sitting idle for not complying with German laws. The US has vowed to work with Germany to ascertain that the pipeline does not move forward if an anticipated invasion commences.

Germany too has now signaled that it would not tolerate an invasion and would partner with Western allies to enforce significant sanctions on Russia and stop Nord Stream 2.

The country, a vocal “climate change warrior,” believes natural gas to be less harmful for the environment compared to other fossil fuels, and currently has no plans to stop its use over the next few decades.

Europe as a whole is dependent on Russian energy. Half of its natural gas comes from the country and Putin is well aware of his leverage.

It is now up to Europe to decide how it combats these coercive tactics by cracking new deals with diverse groups from other alternatives.

If Europe unites against Russian gas then Putin’s economic coercion for military and authoritarian gains would no longer exist.

Putin’s long-list of demands is slowly being crossed out and the US has made it clear that Ukraine – not Russia – gets to decide if it wants to join NATO or not.

In another blow to Russia – Germany that remained hesitant to help Ukraine militarily during these testing times has indicated that Nord Stream 2 could be dumped. The pipeline was mainly financed by European businesses and Russia cashed-in on this weakness and German hesitancy – to act and consequentially damage European investments.

Putin will now rethink his strategy as he would no longer be able to bulldoze Ukraine without facing severe consequences.