The United States is lifting sanctions against the company behind Nord Stream 2

The United States is avoiding imposing sanctions on the company behind Nord Stream 2, via a gas pipeline running from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Washington strongly opposes the plan, but Secretary of State Blinken says sanctions are not in the best interests of the United States. He points out the importance of good relations with Germany and other European countries.

The multi-billion dollar project, likely to be completed this year, has been a thorn in the side of the United States for many years. Washington considers Germany and the European Union to be dependent on Russia; The plan will play much of a role geopolitically in the hands of President Putin.

Germany, which sees this as primarily an economic project, has previously responded to reports that the United States will abandon it. Secretary of State Moss spoke of a “constructive move” that we would like to discuss with our allies in Washington.

The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on four Russian ships, including Academic Chersky, which began placing parts of the pipeline in Danish waters last month.

Republicans in the U.S. Congress, in particular, are recognizing the half-hearted actions and demanding a tougher stance. Senator Jim Rich is a “gift to Putin that will weaken the US position ahead of a summit between Presidents Biden and Putin. But even Democrats think they can not stand with the United States and complete the plan.” We must avoid circling, ”said Democratic Senator Jean Shaheen.