US will use all the available options against the Russia-Germany fuel pipeline, warns newly appointed Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Washington/Berlin: – Newly appointed Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, issued a stern warning that the United States will use all the options to stop the Nord Stream 2 fuel project. As the European parliament also has given indications of imposing sanctions against the pipeline, following the United States, troubles for Russia and Germany seem to be increasing. A strong reaction has been received from Germany regarding the US warning, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the US warning is inappropriate. A senior German Minister has warned that there would be severe legal repercussions if the Nord Stream 2 project is not completed.

US Secretary of State Blinken clarified his stand on the Russia-Germany oil pipeline project while speaking to US Congress. Blinken warned, ‘All the possible efforts will be made to prevent the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The United States will use all the possible options to stop the steps from completing the project. Efforts for withdrawal of Germany, an ally and partner country, will be made through this medium.’

The statements of the US Secretary of State are believed to be a warning for new sanctions. A strong reaction has been received from Germany over this. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, ‘Germany is willing to discuss the Nord Stream 2 project with the United States. A decision will have to be taken regarding the level to which fuel and trade relations should be maintained with Russia. But I don’t find the threats of sanctions coming from the United States in order.’ German Environment Minister, Svenja Schulze, expressed fears that Germany will have to face severe legal repercussions if the Nord Stream 2 project is not completed.

Decade-old disputes with Ukraine and against the background of the conflict in 2014, Russia started searching for alternative routes to supply oil to the European countries. The Nord Stream project forms an integral part of these efforts, and the first phase is already operational. This has the capacity of carrying 55 billion cubic metres of natural gas, and this capacity is to be expanded to 110 cubic metres with the Nord Stream 2 Project. Russia and Germany have already signed an agreement for the project, and both the countries have made preparations to take the project forward. The project’s total cost is USD 11 billion, and it is being said that the project is in the final stages.

Only last month, claims had been made that Russia and Germany had found the loopholes to complete the project bypassing US sanctions.