Putin ally pushes US-backed Nord Stream 2 revival deal – FT

The Financial Times reports this, citing informed sources, Ukrinform reports.

According to the publication's sources, Warnig, who headed Nord Stream 2 AG until 2023, assumed ties with US President Donald Trump's team through American businessmen as part of secret efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and deepen economic relations between the US and Russia.

Some senior Trump administration officials are aware of the push to attract American investors and see it as part of an effort to rebuild ties with Moscow, according to anonymous officials in Washington.

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It is specified that a consortium of investors led by the United States has prepared a draft agreement with Russia's Gazprom after the potential lifting of sanctions.

Senior EU officials have learned of the effort in the past two weeks, and leaders of several EU countries have expressed concern and discussed the issue, sources told the FT.

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At the same time, the publication notes that Warnig's plan faces many obstacles, including the need to lift US sanctions against Russia, Moscow's desire to resume gas supplies that were suspended due to the war in Ukraine, and Germany's agreement to supply gas to all potential buyers in Era.

Meanwhile, Waring, a former Stasi officer in East Germany, denied taking part in talks with American politicians or businessmen, adding that he was subject to rules as someone under US sanctions.

The 1,234-km Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, consisting of two strings, was reportedly built despite numerous protests from Ukraine, Panama and the Baltic states to increase Russian gas supplies to Eure via Germany. However, it was not certified due to US sanctions.

On September 26, 2022, a major incident occurred on the Russian Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The explosions affected both lines of Nord Stream 1 and one of the two lines of Nord Stream 2.