Naftogaz: Nord Stream 2 could become a weapon for Putin

This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has struck a deal with the Russian President that will see Russia transit gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea, bypassing Ukraine and Poland on its route. The deal for Nord Stream 2 could make the EU, which already receives 40 percent of its supplies from Russia, more dependent on the Kremlin's gas.

Moscow has already laid down its tight grip on the European energy market, slashing supplies to the bloc through its vast network of pipelines in a move that hiked gas prices to record highs. Even in December, prices surpassed October records after Moscow diverted gas to the East, a move that appears to still be happening. Oleksandr Scherba, Senior Advisor at the Ukraine gas giant Naftogaz, told Express.co. The EU should realize that Nord Stream 2 in its current form will be used as a weapon as a weapon, because the new gas deal will give Mr Putin more of an opportunity to use gas as a weapon. It is already happening. This weapon is already causing havoc in relations between the US and the EU, between 'old' and 'new' Europe. The US has called for the pipeline to be abandoned completely. US President Joe Biden waived sanctions on Nord Stream 2 in May to avoid escalating tension with its close ally Germany. Many American lawmakers oppose the project, on the basis that Europe s dependence on Russian gas will only soar if this pipeline is up and running. And Mr Scherba, who was formerly an ambassador to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry, agrees. He told Express.co. The EU is bleeding credibility right and left because of this project. READ MORE: Putin furious as Germany BANS Russian gas and signs with Ukraine