Putin Pressures Germany on Nord Stream 2: A Gas Pipeline Saga

President Vladimir Putin announced Russia's readiness to resume gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline, which was damaged in 2022. He stated that Germany must decide to activate the pipeline. The pipeline has U.S. sanctions and requires Germany's agreement. Russia blames Ukraine for the pipeline attack.

In a significant development, President Vladimir Putin has offered to resume gas supplies to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline, despite its severe damage from undersea explosions in 2022. Speaking to journalists in St. Petersburg, Putin emphasized the necessity of a decision from Berlin to initiate gas flow.

The Russian President indicated that one line of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline remains intact and operational, awaiting only a 'button press' to reactivate. Nevertheless, he noted that the pipeline is under U.S. sanctions, requiring Germany to negotiate their removal before proceeding.

Putin promised a potential gas supply of 28 billion cubic meters annually, conditional on a decision from German authorities. Meanwhile, Germany continues to struggle with the energy crisis triggered by last year's explosions, amidst accusations exchanged between Russia and Ukraine regarding the incident's perpetrators.