US President Joe Biden’s administration has decided to waive sanctions imposed on the company building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the State Department said in a report sent to Congress.
According to Reuters, which obtained the report, the Biden administration indicates that the Nord Stream 2 AG consortium and its chairman Matthias Warnig are involved in activities that would justify the sanctions. It is in the US interest to withdraw from them.
However, the penalties were covered Four Russian ships participate in the construction of the gas pipeline, Including Akademik Czerski working in Danish waters. Four entities were also affected by the restrictions, including the Russian Maritime Rescue Service.
As Reuters notes, the administration’s actions aim to improve relations with Germany, which deteriorated during Donald Trump’s presidency.
The withdrawal from the sanctions is a sign of a concession from Joe Biden, who criticized the idea of building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The President of the United States found himself in a political trap in the United States, with the construction being criticized by both Republicans and many Democrats. They complained that the gas pipeline supports the Vladimir Putin regime and is also contributing to cutting off energy supplies to Russia.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed that the United States would oppose completion of Nord Stream 2. However, the gas pipeline has already been completed by more than 90 percent.
