With the new US NDAA calling for sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline to Germany, German officials are warning the US that it could have consequences on Western sanctions against Russia.
The US has objected to the NS2 project because it gives Russia a way to export natural gas to Western Europe without having to go through Ukraine, a nation which is on bad terms with Russia, and has substantial debt related to gas bills.
The US has demanded EU unity on sanctioning Russia, something some Eastern European nations with historic trade relations are starting to object to. Germany, too, could be moving away from the pro-sanction side, making it easier for the EU to loosen up things.
German officials also warned that they’re in the process of gas transit talks with Russia and Ukraine, trying to work things out diplomatically, and that US sanctions threats are making it harder to keep the talks going.
It is rather strange that the United States always seems to oppose anything Russia may wish to do .The two most Christian countries in the world would be the U.S. and Russia . We should be afraid we are giving Christianity a bad name . It seems to me to be a perfectly normal trade for European Russia to supply other European nations with cheap surplus energy . Now that Russia is building a new Nord stream 2 pipeline I see no legitimate reason to oppose this .I feel the United States disrupted Russia’s pipeline that went threw Ukraine . by encouraging Ukraine to take gas and refusing to pay . I understand we have loaned Ukraine all kinds of money to buy weapons and fight Russia but nothing to help them pay up their over due gas bill
It is also about competition. Cheaper energy make Germany, which is already an economic power, even more competitive on the world market.
Germany is a nation with very little oil and gas resources itself. It’s population is about 80 million. One would not expect Germany to be so high on the GDP per person list as it is. The secret: high quality products. I have direct knowledge of a German company which produces agricultural machines which has recalled the production of parts from China back to Germany for only one reason. The Chinese products were not up to its quality standards.
How often do you have your German-made car in a repair shop?
US politicians are a bunch of idiots and morons.
Russia and Ukraine have just signed a 5 year transit contract.
Btw it`s non of the US business…….US interference just creates more hatred towards the US.
Hope that finally wake up the EV States (European Vassals)
Don’t get mad. You are witnessing the last days of an empire.
Here is a chance for Germany to really show what über alley means.
From the linked article: “Opponents of the project argue that Russia uses its vast reserves of cheap gas as a vector of malign influence. Among its tactics: shutting off gas of its geopolitical rivals.”
That argument is crazy… Russia is a good capitalist country now, and they shut off gas to those who habitually don’t pay for it. Somehow the DailyBeast has invented a wacky narrative to explain the facts.
In contrast, the US is the party opposed to the free marketplace, dictating who we will allow to do business with who. So oppose Stalinist authoritarianism… Europe should completely reject and ignore US sanctions against Russia. And the press should stop parroting the State Dept and every stupid tale they weave.
They sure do love using that term — “malign” — sounds so sophisticated and authoritative. Very useful in lubricating the bullsh*t.
Now that Russia and Ukraine have made an agreement for the transit of gas, there is no excuse for the illegal sanctions. Will they be stopped??
Notice that the evil Putin can manage to agree with “enemies”.
The gas pipeline will go through. It’s too important for the Russians, Germans, and Europeans more broadly. When it does, Russia will be in position to shut down Ukraine gas transit and Ukraine will lose its last bit of leverage and become an albatross for the US /NATO. Which is why they just signed a five year gas transit contract with Russia — thank you, Jim Bim — because they can see the writing on the wall. Soon, corrupt and destitute, Ukraine will come crawling on its belly, begging to be allowed back into the Russian sphere. It’s not complicated. This is the not-too-long game, which Russia, patient as always, will win.
Where have all the billions in US aid to Ukraine gone? Besides members of previous US and Ukraine federal administrations and the Azov and Right Sector militants?
“Where have all the billions in US aid to Ukraine gone?”
Answer: To the U.S Military Industrial Complex
Leave Europe to the Europeans,
this is the perfect time to leave NATO and close US bases in Europe.
And Germany is just days away from kicking out the US military (sarc).