Nord Stream 2: the key gas pipeline in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia
The tension between Ukraine and Russia has shaken international politics, where Western authorities and their allies have set their sights on a key element in the conflict.
Nord Stream 2 is a gas pipeline that was completed in September 2021, which connects Russia with Europe and is only waiting for the approval of European entities to start production.
This gas pipeline has more than 1,200 kilometers that runs through the entire Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, where gas could be supplied to almost the entire European territory.
This project, which has been developed by the Russian state energy company Gazprom PJSC, has the capacity to double the production capacity of 55,000 million cubic meters of the previous Nord Stream.
This gas pipeline has taken on great importance in Europe, since the countries of the continent have put aside nuclear and coal energy.
One of the main details is that, passing through the Baltic Sea, the pipeline does not pass through Ukraine.
For Ukraine, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is considered a threat to its security, since, if it crossed its territory, it would be a guarantee of security.
A war in a context where the gas pipelines pass through Ukraine would mean the possible suspension of energy supply to all of Europe.
On the other hand, this project means great economic losses for Ukraine, since it currently charges high amounts for the passage of gas in its territory.
In this context, Nord Stream is considered an important geopolitical player in the conflict, therefore, the United States also takes it into consideration.
Nord Stream 2, for the United States, is a fundamental piece to curb Russia's political influence on the European continent.
While Moscow assures that the gas pipeline is a commercial project, Washington seeks to influence Europe so that Nord Stream does not prosper, arguing that it would increase Russia's influence over the European Union.
In addition, stopping this project would guarantee that the sale of liquefied natural gas to the countries of Europe continues.
The United States agreed with Germany that if Moscow uses the gas supply as a weapon of geopolitical manipulation or carries out an attack on Ukraine, they would apply economic sanctions on the continent that reduce Russia's exports.
On the other hand, Germany, which is in charge of approving the transit of gas from Russia, considers that this project is more ecological and more economical.
However, the European Union believes that Nord Stream 2 should not start operations under a legal vacuum or through the territory of a third country.