Russia Denounces Threats to Shut Down Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline

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Russia has complained that, at Washington’s urging, the West is using the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a “lever of pressure” in the Ukraine conflict.

“Unfortunately, this reflects the current reality within Europe and NATO,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday, according to Interfax news agency. “This is a political circus organized by the West.”

Ryabkov stressed that the European Union and NATO are not even trying to balance their own long-term interests properly.

His words come at a time of heightened diplomatic efforts to avoid war with Russia, as Russia has stationed tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s borders, raising fears of an invasion. However, Russia continues to deny such plans.

During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden said an invasion would mean the end of Nord Stream 2.

The pipeline is ready but has yet to be commissioned. It would bring gas directly from Russia via the Baltic Sea to Germany, forcing Kyiv to miss out on much-needed transit revenue.

Washington has criticized the pipeline for increasing European dependence on Russian gas. However, Berlin was a little more reserved about shutting down the pipeline. Chancellor Scholz said only the United States and Germany agreed on sanctions.