Declaring itself ready to reopen the Nord Stream pipeline, Russia is throwing the ball into Germany's court. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak maintained that gas transit can resume from a technical standpoint, sending a clear message to European capitals and primarily Berlin. With one of the pipeline system's four lines remaining intact following the 2022 sabotage, Russia appears willing to reopen the energy corridor to Germany, shifting responsibility for subsequent moves onto the European side.
"If European consumers, European countries, or politicians desire it, then, naturally, we can supply natural gas through this pipeline," Novak stated during a press conference. "This depends on the Europeans and primarily on Germany, as the pipeline terminates in Germany." It is noted that the Nord Stream system, incorporating both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, consists of four pipelines. Line B of Nord Stream 2 is the only one left undamaged by the 2022 sabotage. However, it has conveyed no natural gas due to European Union sanctions levied against Russian energy products.
US and Russia discussions on Nord Stream
Furthermore, Reuters has revealed discussions regarding the sale of a corporate stake in Nord Stream to American investors, alongside the restoration of Russian energy supplies to Europe. Specifically, according to the information in question, top Russian and American officials conducted talks regarding the participation of an American investor in the Nord Stream corporate structure. Participating in discussions were Kirill Dmitriev, a close advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
"For any deal, Russia would need to negotiate with DFC (America’s Development Finance Corporation) and the Treasury Department, and it must benefit United States taxpayers and companies," a White House official recently stated when queried on the matter. Kushner, who serves among US mediators seeking a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, considers business operations vital for restoring peace. "Such a deal would allow American investors to reap profits from energy flows to Europe once the war ends," Reuters notes. "No recent discussions regarding Nord Stream have occurred," the same official nevertheless clarifies.
The ownership obstacle
However, selling a stake in the company controlling the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines to an American investor or resuming Russian natural gas supplies confronts formidable hurdles. The firm is 51% owned by Russian state energy giant Gazprom. An additional 31% is shared between two German entities, with the remainder held by a French and a Dutch company. The two German shareholders seek to retain their shares to preserve German influence should Gazprom sell its stake, another source informed Reuters.
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