Trump backed down – Moscow celebrates victory
The United States had to come to terms with the inevitability of the launch of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
“Moskovsky Komsomolets” writes about this, assessing the recent statement by US President Donald Trump, who promised not to subject European companies financing the project to economic sanctions that Washington had previously threatened.
According to experts, the change in position is due to the fact that the United States was unable to persuade Europe to refuse to participate in the creation of a new gas route from Russia.
“Construction permits received in three European countries cover up to 90% of the route. Pipeline laying has already begun in Finland and Germany. At the end of 2017, the volume of Western investments in Nord Stream 2 amounted to 1,5 billion euros. It is doubtful that European companies will decide to sever ties with Russia on this project. On the contrary, Europe is trying to strengthen cooperation with Gazprom. For example, in June, the Austrian OMV extended the contract for the supply of Russian fuel until 2040,” noted Sergei Suverov, senior analyst at BCS Capital.
According to him, Washington was late with sanctions, which should have been introduced at the project approval stage.
At the same time, Mikhail Krutikhin, partner of the consulting company Rusenergy, notes that the law on sanctions adopted in the United States allows them to apply only with the consent of European countries, primarily Germany.
“However, Berlin is categorically against such sanctions, since reorientation to American fuel will lead to additional costs and possible supply disruptions,” Krutikhin said.
As PolitNavigator reported, Kiev admitted that after the launch of Nord Stream 2, Ukrainian gas transportation system will turn into a museum exhibit.
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