The US has issued a new warning that it might sanction western companies that take part in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which aims to connect Germany directly to Russian natural gas, Reuters reports.
“We have been clear that firms working in the Russian energy export pipeline sector are engaging in a line of business that carries sanctions risk,” said a spokesman for the US State Department. “We believe the pipeline would undermine Europe’s overall energy security and stability by providing Russia another tool for the political coercion of European countries, especially Ukraine. Russia understands that this project is dividing Europe, and it is using that to its advantage.”
US President Donald Trump accused Germany on Wednesday of being a “captive” of Russia due to its energy reliance.
Five European companies have been involved in Nord Stream 2 – Wintershall and Uniper from Germany, OMV from Austria, Anglo-Dutch Shell and Engie from France.
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