Putin ally seeks US support to revive Nord Stream 2
What's the story
Matthias Warnig, a former executive of Nord Stream 2's parent company, is reportedly seeking US support to revive the pipeline project.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Warnig is attempting to reach out to US President Donald Trump's team via American businessmen.
Notably, Warnig is a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and headed the pipeline project for Gazprom till 2023.
Broader context
Revival part of broader Russia-US discussions
Warnig's lobbying efforts are part of broader discussions to end Russia's war in Ukraine and restore economic ties between Washington and Moscow.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which were supposed to carry Russian natural gas to Europe, were severely damaged in a sabotage attack in September 2022.
The pipelines were fully owned by Russia but co-financed by five European energy firms.
Sanctions hurdle
US sanctions and German approval crucial for pipeline's revival
Notably, the US had imposed sanctions on Warnig and Nord Stream 2 AG in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden's administration.
Any potential deal to restart the pipeline would require Washington to lift these sanctions.
Germany would also have to approve the resumption of Russian gas flows to Europe, marking two major hurdles for the project's revival.
Skepticism voiced
US official expresses skepticism over Nord Stream 2 revival
However, a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, has cast doubts on the possibility of such an agreement.
The official warned that Berlin's participation in reviving Nord Stream 2 could "cause huge rifts" within the European Union (EU), which continues to impose sanctions on Russia.
Several European officials privy to these backchannel discussions have also raised concerns and have spoken on the matter, Financial Times reported.