Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinOvernight Defense: Pentagon keeps Trump-era ban on flying LGBT flags | NATO chief urges ‘consequences’ for Belarus OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden administration moves to reverse Trump endangered species rollbacks | Putin says Nord Stream 2 pipeline nearing completion | Climate a sticking point after Biden-Capito infrastructure talk Putin says Nord Stream 2 pipeline nearing completion MORE said Friday that finishing touches on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline are imminent, an announcement that comes soon after the U.S. announced it will waive some sanctions on the company.
Putin said the pipeline, which is set to deliver gas to Germany, has completed laying pipes for the pipeline’s first line and that the second line will be completed over the next two months, Reuters reported.
“I think it should be completed especially given that the new U.S. administration speaks of its intention to build up good relations with its key partners in Europe,” Putin said at a St. Petersburg forum, according to the news service. “How can you build good relations with your partners and neglect their interests? This is a nonsense.”
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Putin added that pipeline company Gazprom is set to begin filling the pipeline’s first line once the German government signs off.
The Biden administration confirmed it would waive certain sanctions on Gazprom in May, reportedly after officials determined it was not possible to prevent its completion without imposing sanctions on German entities.
“It’s almost completely finished,” Biden told reporters last month. “To go ahead and impose sanctions now, I think is counterproductive in terms of our European relations.”
Congressional Republicans have blasted the administration’s decision, accusing the White House of capitulating to Russia with the move.
The pipeline will allow Russia to bypass Ukraine, potentially isolating the former client state from allies in Europe. A group of Republican senators, led by Sen. Kevin CramerKevin John CramerPutin says Nord Stream 2 pipeline nearing completion Overnight Defense: Senate confirms Army secretary after snafu | Afghanistan withdrawal ‘slightly’ ahead of schedule Senate confirms Wormuth as first female Army secretary after delay MORE (N.D.), has introduced legislation that would reimpose the sanctions in question.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob MenendezRobert (Bob) MenendezSanders drops bid to block Biden’s Israel arms sale Sanders push to block arms sale to Israel doomed in Senate Schumer tactics on China bill reveal broader trade strategy MORE (D-N.J.) has also expressed misgivings about the decision, saying, “The administration has said that the pipeline is a bad idea and that it is a Russian malign influence project. I share that sentiment, but fail to see how today’s decision will advance U.S. efforts to counter Russian aggression in Europe.”
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