Nord Stream 2

According to Gazprom boss Alexei Miller, the controversial Baltic Sea gas pipeline “Nord Stream 2” is ready for operation.

The second tube has already been filled with gas, Miller said today. Commissioning of the gas pipeline, which connects Russia directly with Germany through the Baltic Sea, depends, among other things, on approval from Germany.

The authority responsible for this, the Federal Network Agency, announced in mid-December that a decision on this would not be made until next summer. At a TV cabinet meeting today, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again urged the pipeline to be put into operation quickly as an effective remedy for high gas prices in Europe.

The USA, Poland and Ukraine are opposed to the pipeline and criticize the possible dependence of Germany and Europe on Russian gas, also against the background of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.