After sabotage
Moscow confirms operational readiness of Nord Stream 2
Pipe systems and shut-off devices in the gas receiving station of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline and the transfer station of the Eugal long-distance gas pipeline. photo
© Stefan Sauer/dpa
At the end of September, underwater explosions occurred at Nord Stream 1 and 2. There is a leak in one of the strands. The investigations are ongoing. According to Russia, Nord Stream 2 is still operational.
According to information from Moscow, the alleged act of sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines apparently spared the Nord Stream 2 line, which is preferred by Russia. “As far as Nord Stream 2 is concerned, according to preliminary assessments, this pipeline is actually in a technically suitable condition,” said Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak on state television on Wednesday. He offered to deliver gas to Europe through this pipeline. At the same time, he called for Russia to participate in the investigation into the sabotage.
At the end of September there were explosions under water at the Baltic Sea pipeline. Both strands of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and one strand of Nord Stream 2 suffered a leak. Experts are assuming an act of state sabotage. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accused the British and Americans of the attack on the gas pipeline. These are the beneficiaries of the act of sabotage, he claimed. Nord Stream 1 has not been pumped with gas by Russia since the beginning of September – allegedly for technical reasons that cannot be remedied due to the sanctions.
Instead, Moscow offered Nord Stream 2 as an alternative, although its certification was finally stopped by Germany in February. After the liquidation of Nord Stream 1, Nowak has brought Nord Stream 2 back into play. Gas deliveries are possible if necessary, the minister stressed.