Nord Stream 2

In 2011, Nord Stream AG started evaluation of an expansion project consisting of two additional lines (later named Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2) to double the annual capacity up to {{convert|110|e9m3|e12cuft|abbr=unit}}. In August 2012, Nord Stream AG applied to the Finnish and Estonian governments for route studies in their underwater exclusive economic zones for the third and fourth lines.{{cite news |date=27 August 2012 |title=Nord Stream seeks to study Estonian economic zone in Baltic until 2015 |newspaper=Kyiv Post |agency=Interfax-Ukraine |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/russia-and-former-soviet-union/nord-stream-seeks-to-study-estonian-economic-zone-in-baltic-until-2015-312086.html |access-date=15 September 2012}} It was considered to route the additional pipelines to the United Kingdom but this plan was abandoned.{{cite news |last=Loukashov |first=Dmitry |date=12 December 2008 |title=Nord Stream: is the UK extension good for Gazprom? |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/opinion/9718952/nord-stream-uk-extension.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619180128/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/opinion/9718952/nord-stream-uk-extension.html |archive-date=19 June 2015}}{{cite report|author=Nord Stream AG|year=2013|title=Nord Stream Extension Project Information Document (PID)|url=http://www.envir.ee/sites/default/files/nord_stream_eng.pdf|url-status=dead|publisher=Ministry of the Environment of Estonia|page=18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619173119/http://www.envir.ee/sites/default/files/nord_stream_eng.pdf|archive-date=19 June 2015|access-date=19 June 2015}}

In January 2015, Gazprom announced that the expansion project had been put on hold since the existing lines were running at only half capacity due to EU sanctions on Russia over the annexation of Crimea in 2014.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/russia-gazprom-nordstream-idUSL6N0V71HO20150128|title=Gazprom mothballs extension of Nord Stream pipeline|last=Pinchuk|first=Denis|date=28 January 2015|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619182440/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/01/28/russia-gazprom-nordstream-idUSL6N0V71HO20150128|archive-date=19 June 2015|url-status=dead|work=Reuters}} In June 2015, an agreement to build Nord Stream 2 was signed between Gazprom, Royal Dutch Shell, E.ON, OMV, and Engie.{{cite news |last1=Zhdannikov |first1=Dmitry |last2=Pinchuk |first2=Denis |date=12 December 2008 |title=Exclusive: Gazprom building global alliance with expanded Shell |work=Reuters |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/06/19/us-gazprom-shell-exclusive-idUSKBN0OZ0IQ20150619 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619181351/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/06/19/us-gazprom-shell-exclusive-idUSKBN0OZ0IQ20150619 |archive-date=19 June 2015}} As the creation of a joint venture was blocked by Poland,{{clarify|reason= how? A citation might help|date=September 2021}} in April 2017, Uniper, Wintershall, Engie, OMV and Royal Dutch Shell signed a financing agreement with Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 AG, a subsidiary of Gazprom responsible for the development of the Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 project.{{cite web|url=https://www.shell.com/media/news-and-media-releases/2017/shell-and-four-european-energy-companies-sign-financing-agreements.html|title=Shell and four European energy companies sign financing agreements with Nord Stream 2 AG for pipeline project|publisher=Shell Global|date=2017-04-24|access-date=2022-08-17}}

On 31 January 2018, Germany granted Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 a permit for construction and operation in German waters and for landfall areas near Lubmin.{{cite news |date=2018-01-31 |title=Germany grants permit for Nord Stream 2 Russian gas pipeline |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nordstream-germany-permit/germany-grants-permit-for-nord-stream-2-russian-gas-pipeline-idUSKBN1FK15J |access-date=14 February 2018}} In May 2018 construction started at the Greifswald end point. In January 2019, the US ambassador in Germany, Richard Grenell, sent letters to companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 urging them to stop working on the project and threatening them with the possibility of sanctions.{{Cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/richard-grenell-us-botschafter-schreibt-drohbriefe-an-deutsche-firmen-a-1247785.html |title=US-Botschafter Grenell schreibt Drohbriefe an deutsche Firmen |trans-title=US-Botschafter Grenell schreibt Drohbriefe an deutsche Firmen |language=de |date=13 January 2018 |website=Spiegel Online}} In December 2019, the Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Ron Johnson also urged Allseas owner Edward Heerema to suspend the works on the pipeline, warning him that the United States would otherwise impose sanctions.{{Cite press release|title=Sens. Cruz, Johnson Put Company Installing Putin's Pipeline on Formal Legal Notice | publisher = Ted Cruz |url=https://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4826|access-date=16 September 2020}} Cruz formally proposed such a bill to enable sanctions in November 2021.

{{cite web

| author = Ted Cruz website

| title = I will use all options to stop Biden-Putin Nord Stream 2 pipeline — Press release

| date = 8 November 2021

| work = Sen. Cruz on the Senate Floor

| url = https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-on-the-senate-floor-i-will-use-all-options-to-stop-biden-putin-nord-stream-2-pipeline

| access-date = 2021-11-14

}}

In December 2019, Allseas announced that the company had suspended its Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 pipelaying activities, anticipating enactment of the US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which contained sanctions.{{Cite press release|url=https://allseas.com/news/allseas-suspends-nord-stream-2-pipelay-activities/|title=Allseas suspends Nord Stream 2 pipelay activities|date=21 December 2019|publisher=Allseas|access-date=21 December 2019}} In May 2020, the German energy regulator refused an exception from competition rules that require Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 to separate gas ownership from transmission.{{Cite news|last1=Dezem|first1=Vanessa|last2=Parkin|first2=Brian|date=4 May 2020|title=German Regulator Set to Deny Nord Stream 2 Waiver From EU Rules|work=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-04/german-regulator-set-to-deny-nord-stream-2-waiver-from-eu-rules|access-date=9 May 2020}} In August 2020, Poland fined Gazprom €50 million due to its lack of cooperation with an investigation launched by UOKiK, the Polish anti-monopoly watchdog. UOKiK cited competition rules against Gazprom and companies financing the project, suspecting that they had continued work on the pipeline without permission from the government of Poland.{{Cite news|date=3 August 2020|title=Poland fines Gazprom €50m over Nord Stream 2 pipeline|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/42d196cf-0622-4255-8cab-98a2de961f73|access-date=4 August 2020|url-access=subscription}}

In December 2020, the Russian pipelaying ship Akademik Cherskiy continued pipe-laying.{{Cite news|title=Bau von Gaspipeline Nord Stream 2 geht wieder los | trans-title = Construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline starts again |url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000122346403/bau-von-gas-pipeline-nord-stream-2-geht-wieder-los | newspaper = Der Standard | date = 2020-12-09 |access-date=2020-12-13|language=de}} In January, Fortuna, another pipe-layer, joined forces with the Akademik Cherskiy to complete the pipeline.{{Cite web |work=Deutsche Welle |title=Trotz US-Sanktionen: "Fortuna" arbeitet weiter an Nord Stream 2 |trans-title=Despite US sanctions: "Fortuna" continues to work on Nord Stream 2 |date=25 January 2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/de/trotz-us-sanktionen-fortuna-arbeitet-weiter-an-nord-stream-2/a-56332532 |access-date=2021-07-20 |language=de-DE}} On 4 June 2021, Vladimir Putin announced that the pipe-laying for first line of the Nord Stream 2 had been fully completed. On 10 June, the sections of the pipeline were connected.{{Cite news|title=Строительство первой нитки 'Северного потока-2' технически завершено | trans-title = Construction of the first line of Nord Stream 2 is technically completed |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4855419?from=hotnews | newspaper = Kommersant | date = 2021-06-10 |access-date=2021-06-10|language=ru}} The laying of the second line was completed in September 2021.{{cite web|publisher=Reuters| first=Vladimir| last=Soldatkin | access-date=10 February 2023|

url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-gazprom-says-it-has-completed-nord-stream-2-construction-2021-09-10/ |title=Russia completes Nord Stream 2 construction, gas flows yet to start | date=10 September 2021}}

In June 2021, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2 completion was inevitable. In July 2021, the US urged Ukraine not to criticise a forthcoming agreement with Germany over the pipeline.{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/20/us-ukraine-russia-pipeline-500334 |title=U.S. urges Ukraine to stay quiet on Russian pipeline |last1=Woodruff |first1=Betsy Swan |last2=Ward |first2=Alexander |last3=Desiderio |first3=Andrew |website=Politico |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=21 July 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-german-deal-on-russian-natural-gas-pipeline-expected-soon-11626813466 |title=U.S.-German Deal on Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Expected Soon |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=21 July 2021}} On 20 July, Joe Biden and Angela Merkel reached a conclusive deal that the US may trigger sanctions if Russia used Nord Stream as a "political weapon". The deal aims to prevent Poland and Ukraine from being cut off from Russian gas supplies. Ukraine will receive a $50 million loan for green technology until 2024 and Germany will set up a billion-dollar fund to promote Ukraine's transition to green energy to compensate for the loss of the gas transit fees. The contract for transiting Russian gas through Ukraine will be prolonged until 2034 if the Russian government agrees.{{cite web|first1=Andrea|last1=Shalal|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-germany-announce-deal-nord-stream-2-pipeline-coming-days-sources-2021-07-19/|title=Germany to announce deal on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in coming days -sources|date= 20 July 2021|work=Reuters|access-date=17 August 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/21/ukraine-poland-slam-insufficient-deal-struck-by-germany-and-u-s-on-nord-stream-2|title=Nord Stream 2: Ukraine and Poland slam deal to complete controversial gas pipeline |date= 22 July 2021|work=Euronews| access-date=17 August 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/49210a4e-17ed-4a2e-a986-4efcadc7f342 |title=Germany and US reach truce over Nord Stream 2 pipeline |last1=Williams |first1=Aime |last2=Olearchyk |first2=Roman |newspaper=Financial Times |url-access=subscription |date=21 July 2021 |access-date=13 September 2021}}

On 16 November 2021, European natural gas prices rose by 17% after Germany's energy regulator suspended approval of the Nord Stream 2.{{cite news |title=Natural-Gas Prices Jump as Germany Pauses Certification of Russian Pipeline |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/natural-gas-prices-jump-as-germany-pauses-certification-of-russian-pipeline-11637069393 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=16 November 2021}}{{cite news |title=European Natural Gas Prices Surge on Nord Stream 2 Delay — LNG Recap |url=https://www.naturalgasintel.com/european-natural-gas-prices-surge-on-nord-stream-2-delay-lng-recap/ |work=Natural Gas Intelligence |date=16 November 2021}}

On 9 December 2021, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called on Germany's newly appointed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to oppose the start-up of Nord Stream 2 and not to give in to pressure from Russia. On a visit to Rome, Morawiecki said: "I will call on Chancellor Scholz not to give in to pressure from Russia and not to allow Nord Stream 2 to be used as an instrument for blackmail against Ukraine, an instrument for blackmail against Poland, an instrument for blackmail against the European Union."{{Cite web|title=Polish PM tells Germany's Scholz not to 'give in' over Nord Stream 2 |work=Metro US|date=9 December 2021 |url=https://www.metro.us/polish-pm-tells-germanys/|access-date=2021-12-09|language=en-US}}

Scholz suspended certification of Nord Stream 2 on 22 February 2022 in consequence of Russia's recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics and the deployment of troops in territory held by the DPR and LPR.{{cite news |last1=Chambers |first1=Madeline |last2=Marsh |first2=Sarah |title=Germany freezes Nord Stream 2 gas project as Ukraine crisis deepens |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/ |website=Reuters |date=22 February 2022 |agency=Reuters |access-date=24 February 2022}}

Nord Stream 2 AG filed for bankruptcy on 1 March 2022 and laid off all 106 employees from its headquarters in Zug, Switzerland.{{cite news |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/konkurs-anmelden-nord-stream-2-ist-zahlungsunfaehig |title=Konkurs anmelden–"Nord Stream 2 ist zahlungsunfähig" |trans-title=File for bankruptcy - "Nord Stream 2 is insolvent" |work=Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen |language=de |date=2022-03-02 |access-date=2022-08-21}}

On 26 September 2022, a massive pressure loss and signs of large gas releases near the Danish island Bornholm were reported.{{cite news | url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/energie/plus241276421/Massiver-Druckabfall-Pipeline-Nord-Stream-2-teilweise-zerstoert.html | title=Massiver Druckabfall – Pipeline Nord Stream 2 teilweise zerstört | newspaper=Die Welt | date=26 September 2022 | last1=Wetzel | first1=Daniel}} Shortly after, gas leaks from the two pipelines were discovered within the Danish and Swedish economic zones. The day after the leaks occurred, Swedish police opened an investigation of the incident, calling it "major sabotage". The investigation is conducted in cooperation with other relevant authorities as well as the Swedish Security Service.{{cite news |title=Polisen utreder sabotage av Nord Stream |trans-title=Police investigate Nord Stream sabotage |url=https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/polisen-utreder-sabotage-av-nord-stream |newspaper=Sveriges Radio |access-date=27 September 2022|date=27 September 2022}} A similar investigation was opened in Denmark. The two nations were in close contact, and had also been in contact with other countries in the Baltic region and NATO.{{cite news| title=Gassen fosser ud i Østersøen, og det er "næppe tilfældigt": Det ved vi om de tre læk, og det mangler vi svar på | url=https://www.altinget.dk/erhverv/artikel/mens-gas-fosser-ud-og-myndigheder-er-meget-bekymrede-her-er-det-vi-ved-og-de-store-aabne-spoergsmaal | publisher=Altinget | date=27 September 2022 | access-date=27 September 2022}} These gas leaks were soon considered to be sabotage. On 29 September 2022, the Swedish Coast Guard confirmed a second leak from Nord Stream 2 very close to a larger leak found earlier on Nord Stream 1.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=29 September 2022 |title=Sweden confirms new leak in underwater Nord Stream gas pipelines |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nord-stream-pipeline-baltic-sea-1.6600084}}

For Nord Stream 2, the loan from Uniper, Wintershall Dea, OMV, Engie, and Royal Dutch Shell covers 50 percent of the projected costs of €9.5 billion. The rest is being financed by Gazprom.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/32898bae-28f3-11e7-9ec8-168383da43b7|title=Gazprom to receive funding for Nord Stream 2 pipeline|last1=Foy|first1=Henry|date=24 April 2017|newspaper=Financial Times|access-date=30 April 2017|last2=Toplensky|first2=Rochelle|last3=Ward|first3=Andrew | url-access = subscription}}

Nord Stream 2 was developed and is operated by Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of the Russian state energy company Gazprom headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-01 |title=Konkurs angemeldet - "Nord Stream 2 ist zahlungsunfähig" |trans-title=Bankruptcy declared - "Nord Stream 2 is insolvent" |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/konkurs-angemeldet-nord-stream-2-ist-zahlungsunfaehig |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) |language=de}}

File:Pioneering Spirit ( ex Pieter Schelte ) (16057559379).jpg was one of the ships involved in pipelaying.]]

Nord Stream 2 was laid by Allseas using pipe-laying vessels Pioneering Spirit and Solitaire,

{{cite news

| url = https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/natural-gas/122119-nord-stream-2-pipelayer-allseas-suspends-operations-on-us-sanctions

| title = Nord Stream 2 pipelayer Allseas suspends operations on US sanctions

| first = Stuart | last = Elliott

| work = S&P Global Platts

| date = 21 December 2019

| access-date = 22 December 2019}}

except the part of the German offshore section which was laid by Saipem's pipe-laying vessel C10. Pipes were manufactured by EUROPIPE, OMK and the Chelyabinsk Pipe-Rolling Plant (Chelpipe), and were coated by Wasco Coatings Europe. Blue Water Shipping handled the transportation and storage of pipeline segments in Germany, Finland and Sweden for Wasco. A joint venture of Boskalis and Van Oord did rock placement at the preparatory stage of construction. Kvaerner did the civil and mechanical engineering of the onshore facilities in Russia.

Except for the Russian and Danish section, the route of Nord Stream 2 follows mainly the route of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

To feed Nord Stream 2, {{convert|2866|km|abbr=on}} of new pipeline and three compressor stations were built and five existing compressor stations were expanded. The feeding pipeline starts in Gryazovets and follows the existing route of the Northern Lights pipeline. In Volkhov, the pipeline turns south and continues to the Slavyanskaya compressor station near Ust-Luga.

{{cite news

| work = 47 News

| script-title=ru: Вид сверху: Газпром прорубает "Северный поток-2", древесина пропадает

| trans-title = View from the top: Gazprom cuts Nord Stream-2 through, wood disappears

| url = https://47news.ru/articles/148174/

| date = 13 November 2018

| access-date = 17 December 2019}}

Nord Stream 2 starts at the Slavyanskaya compressor station near Ust-Luga port, located {{convert|2.8|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-east of the village of Bolshoye Kuzyomkino (Narvusi) in the Kingiseppsky District of the Leningrad Oblast, in the historical Ingria close to the Estonian border. A {{convert|3.2|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=on}} onshore pipeline runs from the compressor station to the landfall at the Kurgalsky Peninsula on the shore of Narva Bay.

{{cite web

| url = https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/nord-stream-2-pipeline-project-russia-germany/

| title = Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Project

| access-date=23 December 2019

| work = NS Energy}}

The landfall point in Kolganpya (Kolkanpää) at the Soikinsky Peninsula was considered as an alternative.

Except for the Russian section, the route of Nord Stream 2 follows mainly the route of Nord Stream 1.{{cite web|author=Ramboll, Nord Stream AG|date=April 2017|title=Espoo Report. Nord Stream 2|url=http://www.envir.ee/sites/default/files/ns2_aruanne_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221161735/http://www.envir.ee/sites/default/files/ns2_aruanne_en.pdf|archive-date=21 February 2018|publisher=Ministry of the Environment of Estonia|pages=79–80; 523|access-date=3 May 2017}} From the Russian landfall, a {{convert|114|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=on}} section runs through Russian territorial waters to the Finnish exclusive economic zone. The Finnish section is {{convert|374|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=on}} and the following section in the Swedish exclusive economic zone is {{convert|510|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=on}} long.

The {{convert|147|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=on}} Danish sections runs on the Danish continental shelf southeast of Bornholm.{{cite news | url = https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/natural-gas/120419-nord-stream-2-construction-in-danish-waters-under-way-contractor | title = Nord Stream 2 construction in Danish waters under way: contractor | first = Stuart | last = Elliott | work = S&P Global Platts | date = 4 December 2019 | access-date = 23 December 2019}} The German part of the pipeline consists of {{convert|85|km|mi|abbr=on}} of offshore pipeline and {{convert|29|km|mi|abbr=on}} onshore pipeline connecting the landfall with the Nord Stream 2 receiving terminal. Nord Stream 2 has two parallel lines, each with a capacity of {{convert|27.5|e9m3|e9cuft|abbr=unit}} of natural gas per year.{{cite news | url = https://www.politico.eu/article/nord-stream-2-clears-final-hurdle-but-delays-loom/ | title = Nord Stream 2 clears final hurdle – but delays loom | first = Anca | last = Gurzu | work = Politico | date = 30 October 2019 | access-date = 23 December 2019}}

Nord Stream 2 is connected to the NEL pipeline and European Gas Pipeline Link (EUGAL), which runs largely parallel to the OPAL pipeline.

{{cite news

| url = https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/natural-gas/033021-nord-stream-2-onshore-gas-link-eugal-to-reach-full-capacity-april-1-tso

| title = Nord Stream 2 onshore gas link EUGAL to reach full capacity April 1: TSO

| work = S&P Global Platts

| first = Stuart | last = Elliott

| date = 30 March 2021

| access-date = 29 January 2022}}

According to the amended EU gas directive, the EU extended its gas market rules to external pipelines entering the EU internal gas market. It applies to all pipelines which were completed after 23 May 2019 when amended directive entered into force.

{{cite news

| url = https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/nord-stream-2-seeks-arbitration-in-dispute-with-eu-commission/

| title = Nord Stream 2 seeks arbitration in dispute with EU Commission

| first = Georgi | last = Gotev

| work = EURACTIV

| date = 26 September 2019

| access-date = 22 December 2019}}

{{Cite book| title=Nord Stream 2 and the EU Regulatory Framework: challenges ahead|last= Dudek |first= Jerzy | publisher = Publications Office of the European Union |date=15 December 2017|doi=10.2870/998504|isbn= 9789290845515}} Additional legal concerns relate to international trade law{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gas-Directive-Amendment-Insight-49.pdf|title=Gas Directive amendment: implications for Nord Stream 2|last=Yafimava|first=Katja|date=March 2019|work=Oxford Institute for Energy Studies|access-date=18 December 2019}} and to the law of the sea in connection with Nord Stream 2's route through the Danish territorial waters around Bornholm.{{Cite journal|last=Jeutner|first=Valentin|title=Amendments, annexations, alternatives: Nord Stream 2's contemporary status under EU and international law|journal=The Journal of World Energy Law & Business|year=2019|volume=12|issue=6|pages=502–512|doi=10.1093/jwelb/jwz031|doi-access=free}}

Nord Stream 2 AG had started legal proceedings in the Court of Justice of the European Union to annul the amended directive and also started arbitration against the EU under the Energy Charter Treaty.{{cite news |url = https://euobserver.com/foreign/146101 |title = Russian pipeline firm launches anti-EU dispute |last = Rettman |first = Andrew |date = 27 September 2019 |work = EUobserver |access-date = 22 December 2019}} Although Russia has not ratified the Energy Charter Treaty and has terminated its provisional application, both the EU and Switzerland — a domicile of Nord Stream 2 AG — are contracting parties of it.

In June 2017, new US sanctions against Russia targeting the pipeline were passed by a 98–2 majority in the United States Senate

{{cite news

| first1 = Gernot | last1 = Heller

| first2 = Alissa | last2 = de Carbonnel

| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-germany-idUSKBN197156

| title = Germany threatens retaliation if U.S. sanctions harm its firms

| work = Reuters

| date = 16 June 2017

| access-date = 17 August 2021}}

{{cite news

| first1 = Leonid | last1 = Bershidsky

| url = https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-06-16/u-s-russia-sanctions-punish-europe-too

| title = The U.S. Sanctions Russia, Europe Says 'Ouch!'

| work = Bloomberg

| date = 16 June 2017

| access-date = 17 August 2021

| url-access = subscription}}

{{cite news |title=France says U.S. sanctions on Iran, Russia look illegal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-france-idUSKBN1AB1MS?il=0 |work=Reuters |date=26 July 2017}} due to concerns that President Trump would ease existing sanctions on Russia.{{Cite web |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/which-new-us-sanctions-on-russia-are-likely/ |first1= Anders |last1=Åslund |title=Which New US Sanctions on Russia Are Likely? |date=7 August 2018 |work=Atlantic Council|access-date=6 September 2022}} The sanctions were sharply criticized by Germany, France, Austria and the European Commission who stated that the United States was threatening Europe's energy supplies.

{{cite news

| work = Deutsche Welle

| title = US bill on Russia sanctions prompts German, Austrian outcry

| url = http://www.dw.com/en/us-bill-on-russia-sanctions-prompts-german-austrian-outcry/a-39270624

| date = 15 June 2017

| access-date = 17 August 2021}}

In a joint statement, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said, "Europe's energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America.""[https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-06-15/germany-austria-slam-us-sanctions-against-russia Germany, Austria Slam US Sanctions Against Russia]". U.S. News. 15 June 2017. They also said: "To threaten companies from Germany, Austria and other European states with penalties on the US market if they participate in natural gas projects such as Nord Stream 2 with Russia or finance them introduces a completely new and very negative quality into European-American relations.""[http://www.politico.eu/article/germany-and-austria-warn-u-s-over-expanded-russia-sanctions/ Germany and Austria warn US over expanded Russia sanctions]". Politico. 15 June 2017.

Isabelle Kocher, chief executive officer of Engie, criticised American sanctions targeting the projects, and said they were an attempt to promote American gas in Europe.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-15/u-s-toughens-stance-on-russian-gas-as-engie-defends-new-pipe|title=Germany, Austria Tell U.S. Not to Interfere in EU Energy|last1=Mazneva|first1=Elena|last2=Donahue|first2=Patrick|date=15 June 2017| work = Bloomberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615150441/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-15/u-s-toughens-stance-on-russian-gas-as-engie-defends-new-pipe|archive-date=15 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=30 September 2017|last3=Shiryaevskaya|first3=Anna}} Olaf Scholz, German Finance Minister at the time, called the sanctions "a severe intervention in German and European internal affairs", while the EU spokesman criticized "the imposition of sanctions against EU companies conducting legitimate business."{{cite news |title=Germany, EU decry US Nord Stream sanctions |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-eu-decry-us-nord-stream-sanctions/a-51759319 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=21 December 2019| access-date= 17 August 2021}} Heiko Maas, German Foreign Minister at the time, tweeted that "European energy policy is decided in Europe, not in the United States". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also criticized sanctions, saying that United States Congress "is literally overwhelmed with the desire to do everything to destroy" Russia–United States relations.{{cite news |title=Ukraine and Russia look to strike new gas deal amid US sanctions threat |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/16/ukraine-and-russia-look-to-strike-gas-transit-deal.html?recirc=taboolainternal |work=CNBC |date=16 December 2019| access-date= 17 August 2021}}

The German Eastern Business Association said in a statement that "America wants to sell its liquefied gas in Europe, for which Germany is building terminals. Should we arrive at the conclusion that US sanctions are intended to push competitors out of the European market, our enthusiasm for bilateral projects with the US will significantly cool."{{cite news |title=Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline faces sanctions under US defense bill |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nord-stream-2-gas-pipeline-faces-sanctions-under-us-defense-bill/a-51641960 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=12 December 2019| access-date= 17 August 2021}}

In January 2019, the US ambassador in Germany, Richard Grenell, sent letters to companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 urging them to stop working on the project and threatening with the possibility of sanctions.{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/richard-grenell-us-botschafter-schreibt-drohbriefe-an-deutsche-firmen-a-1247785.html|title=US-Botschafter Grenell schreibt Drohbriefe an deutsche Firmen|date=13 January 2018|website=Spiegel Online}} In December 2019, the US Congress approved sanctions on companies and governments working on the pipeline, to which German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas responded, urging the US not to meddle in European energy policy.{{cite web |url= https://www.dw.com/en/us-senate-approves-nord-stream-2-russia-germany-pipeline-sanctions/a-51711980 |title= US Senate approves Nord Stream 2 Russia-Germany pipeline sanctions |publisher= DW | date=17 December 2019 | author= | access-date= 22 December 2019}} Following the US Senate's vote to override the Trump administration's veto of the defense bill containing punitive measures on the pipeline, the US State Department alerted companies of sanctions risk they face, urging them to pull out from the project.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-nord-stream-2-sanctions-exclusive-idUSKBN29I0CN|title = Exclusive: U.S. Tells European companies they face sanctions risk on Nord Stream 2 pipeline|newspaper = Reuters|date = 13 January 2021}} According to a PolitiFact "fact check", the sanctions did not impede construction of the pipeline.{{cite news |title=Fact-check: Did Trump, Biden sanction Russia? |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2022/02/11/fact-check-did-trump-biden-sanction-russia/6735826001/ |work=Austin American-Statesman}}

In December 2019, with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans, the US Congress imposed sanctions on any firm aiding in the building of the pipeline as part of the annual defense policy bill.{{Cite news|date=2019-12-21|title=Nord Stream 2: Trump approves sanctions on Russia gas pipeline|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50875935|access-date=2022-02-22}}{{Cite news|date=2020-12-11|title=Russia restarts Nord Stream 2 pipeline construction despite U.S. sanctions|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-russia-nord-stream-idUSKBN28L1Y8|access-date=2022-02-22}}{{Cite web|title=Russia resumes Nord Stream 2 construction despite US sanctions {{!}} DW {{!}} 11.12.2020|url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-resumes-nord-stream-2-construction-despite-us-sanctions/a-55912969|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB}}{{cite news |title=Nord Stream 2: Trump approves sanctions on Russia gas pipeline |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50875935 |work=BBC News |date=21 December 2019 | access-date=17 August 2021}}{{cite news|title=Trump approves sanctions on builders of Russia-to-Europe gas pipelines|work=France 24|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=21 December 2019|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191221-trump-approves-sanctions-builders-of-russia-to-europe-gas-pipelines-energy-security-germany-turkey-eu|access-date=17 August 2021}} The pipeline's construction was stalled for a year until Russia secured its own vessels to complete the job.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-gazprom-says-it-has-completed-nord-stream-2-construction-2021-09-10/ |first1=Vladimir |last1=Soldatkin|title=Russia completes Nord Stream 2 Construction, gas flows yet to start |date=11 September 2021 |work=Reuters|access-date=6 September 2022}}

Following incoming President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021, the White House reaffirmed long standing US opposition to Nord Stream stating that Biden "continues to believe that Nord Stream 2 is a bad deal for Europe" and that his administration "will be reviewing" new sanctions. According to congressional aides cited in a February report by NBC News, the sanctions enjoyed "strong bipartisan support" on Capitol Hill.{{Cite news|last1=Hunnicutt|first1=Timothy |last2=Gardner|first2=Trevor|date=2021-01-26|title=White House says Biden believes Nord Stream 2 pipeline is 'bad deal' for Europe|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-nord-stream-idUSKBN29V29X|access-date=2021-02-17}}{{Cite news|title=Biden admin weighs sanctions on Russian pipeline backed by Germany|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/biden-weighs-sanctions-russian-pipeline-he-called-bad-deal-europe-n1257608|access-date=2021-02-17|work=NBC News}}{{Cite web|date=2021-01-26|title=Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, January 26, 2021|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/01/26/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-domestic-policy-advisor-susan-rice-January-26-2021/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127030503/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/01/26/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-domestic-policy-advisor-susan-rice-january-26-2021/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=2021-02-17|work=The White House}}

On 19 May 2021, the United States President Joe Biden waived sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO Matthias Warnig, in a move that was opposed by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/biden-comes-under-fire-congress-after-waiving-sanctions-russian-gas-n1267975|title = Biden under fire after waiving sanctions on Russian gas pipeline firm|website = NBC News| date=19 May 2021}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/22555df1-0b88-4d46-8287-9e0c8f03cc6a|title=Biden to waive Trump-era sanctions on operator of Russian pipeline|newspaper=Financial Times|date=20 May 2021|last1=Chazan|first1=Guy}} with Republican senator Jim Risch saying it was "a gift to Putin and will only weaken the United States".{{cite news |last1=Shalal |first1=Andrea |last2=Gardner |first2=Timothy |last3=Holland |first3=Steve |title=U.S. waives sanctions on Nord Stream 2 as Biden seeks to mend Europe ties |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-waive-sanctions-firm-ceo-behind-russias-nord-stream-2-pipeline-source-2021-05-19/ |work=Reuters |date=19 May 2021 |language=en}} Russian and German officials welcomed the sanctions waiver, but Yuriy Vitrenko of Naftogaz criticized the move and said Ukraine would press Washington to impose sanctions to stop the pipeline.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57180674|title=Nord Stream 2: Biden waives US sanctions on Russian pipeline|work=BBC News|date=20 May 2021}} On 25 May at the White House, President Biden told reporters that he waived the sanctions because the pipeline was nearly completed and because they would have hurt relations with Europe.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-25/biden-says-he-waived-nord-stream-sanctions-because-it-s-finished|title=Biden Says He Waived Nord Stream Sanctions Because It's Finished|author1=Jennifer Jacobs |author2= Jennifer Epstein |publisher= Bloomberg |date=25 May 2021}}

In protest against the Biden administration's policies, senator Ted Cruz held up dozens of diplomatic nominations, telling CNN "I look forward to lifting the holds just as soon as they impose the sanctions on Nord Stream 2 that are required by federal law."{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/21/politics/cruz-state-department-nominations/index.html|title = Ted Cruz is blocking diplomats from being confirmed, and it has nothing to do with their qualifications| date=21 July 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/national-security-daily/2021/12/01/nord-stream-2-turning-into-bidens-no-1-problem-495280|title = Nord Stream 2 turning into Biden's No. 1 problem|website = Politico| date=December 2021}} According to PolitiFact, this positive signal to Germany and Russia was accompanied by sanctions on other areas of Russian industry as part of a changing strategy to reopen negotiations over Ukraine.

On 19 May 2021, the US government waived sanctions against the main company involved in the project, Nord Stream 2 AG, while imposing sanctions on four Russian ships and five other Russian entities.{{Cite news|title=Nord Stream 2: Biden waives US sanctions on Russian pipeline|date=20 May 2021|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57180674|access-date=2021-05-19}}{{cite news |title=Biden Says He Waived Nord Stream Sanctions Because It's Finished |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-25/biden-says-he-waived-nord-stream-sanctions-because-it-s-finished | first1 = Jennifer | last1 = Jacobs | first2 = Jennifer | last2 = Epstein |work=Bloomberg |date= 25 May 2021| access-date= 17 August 2021|url-access = subscription}}{{cite news |title=Putin-Biden Summit Set for June 16 in Geneva |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/05/25/putin-biden-summit-set-for-june-16-in-geneva-a73998 | newspaper = The Moscow Times |date= 25 May 2021| access-date= 17 August 2021}} Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov welcomed the move as "a chance for a gradual transition toward the normalisation of our bilateral ties".{{cite news |title=Nord Stream 2: Biden waives US sanctions on Russian pipeline |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57180674 |publisher=BBC News |date=20 May 2021}} Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "surprised" and "disappointed" by Biden's decision.{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Zelensky "surprised" and "disappointed" by Biden pipeline move |url=https://www.axios.com/zelensky-biden-ukraine-russia-nord-stream-pipeline-fe50756b-6b82-43f0-b390-734ea3e95de0.html |work=Axios |date=6 June 202}} Biden also waived sanctions on the Nordstream CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.{{cite news |author1=Andrea Shalal |author2=Timothy Gardner |author3=Steve Holland |title=U.S. waives sanctions on Nord Stream 2 as Biden seeks to mend Europe ties |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-waive-sanctions-firm-ceo-behind-russias-nord-stream-2-pipeline-source-2021-05-19/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |work=Reuters |date=19 May 2021 |language=en |quote=The Biden administration waived sanctions on the company behind Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany and its chief executive [...] State Department report sent to Congress concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Blinken immediately waived those sanctions}} On 22 November 2021, the US State Department announced that it had imposed further sanctions on a Russian vessel and a "Russian-linked entity".{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/22/politics/nord-stream-2-sanctions/index.html|title=US announces new Nord Stream 2 sanctions on Russian-linked entity and a vessel|date=23 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|work=CNN}}

Washington Post reported that Biden obtained a promise from Angela Merkel in summer 2021 and that Nord Stream 2 would not be sanctioned, but that Germany would support other sanctions and that Germany would scrap Nord Stream 2 if Russia invaded Ukraine. By the time Russia invaded in 2022, Olaf Scholz had replaced Merkel, but Scholz kept the promise.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/26/biden-white-house-secret-planning-helped-ukraine-counter-russia/|title=The secret planning that kept the White House a step ahead of Russia|newspaper=Washington Post}}

On 21 July 2021, the US and Germany proposed an agreement to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline while shielding Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European countries from any future Russian efforts to use the pipeline as a geopolitical weapon.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-germany-deal-nord-stream-2-pipeline-draws-ire-lawmakers-both-countries-2021-07-21/|title = U.S., Germany strike Nord Stream 2 pipeline deal to push back on Russian 'aggression'|newspaper = Reuters|date = 21 July 2021|last1 = Lewis|first1 = Simon}} The deal was immediately opposed by Ukraine and Poland and US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with Foreign Policy reporting that it had become a "lightning rod issue" and that "Biden's post-Trump-era honeymoon period with some Eastern European allies has come to a screeching halt."{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/07/23/nord-stream-2-pipeline-russia-us-ted-cruz/|title = The Russian Pipeline That Turned into a Lightning Rod| date=23 July 2021}} Deutsche Welle reported that the deal promoted "strong condemnation" from Poland, with government spokesman Piotr Müller saying "We have emphasized from the very beginning that Nord Stream 2 is a geopolitical project that destabilizes the political situation in central and eastern Europe."{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/nord-stream-2-deal-stokes-fears-of-russian-aggression-in-eastern-europe/a-58618700|title = Nord Stream 2 deal stokes fears of Russian aggression in eastern Europe | DW | 23.07.2021|website = Deutsche Welle}} Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė called the project a "mistake" saying it was not just for its economic impact on Ukraine, but for the EU's increased dependence on a country where there is no rule of law.

In September 2021, a group of bipartisan lawmakers in the US House of Representatives attempting to undo Biden's decision to waiver sanctions, introduced an amendment to the defense bill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/nord-stream-sanctions-united-states/31460890.html|title = U.S. Lawmakers Make Last-Ditch Effort to Reverse Biden's Waiver of Nord Stream 2 Sanctions| newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty | date=15 September 2021}} In November 2021, a group of Senate Republicans led by senator Risch renewed efforts to impose sanctions on the pipeline, also as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) defense bill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-republicans-renew-push-sanction-nord-stream-2-pipeline-2021-11-09/|title = U.S. Republicans renew push to sanction Nord Stream 2 pipeline|newspaper = Reuters|date = 9 November 2021}} In response, the Biden administration reportedly lobbied Democratic allies to nix the sanctions amendments, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken and top aides reportedly made calls urging senators to kill the sanctions amendments that would remove leeway for a White House waiver.{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/11/24/biden-aims-to-quash-nord-stream-2-sanctions-in-defense-bill/|title = Biden Aims to Quash Nord Stream 2 Sanctions in Defense Bill| date=24 November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/582919-biden-administration-resists-tougher-russia-sanctions-in-congress|title=Biden administration resists tougher Russia sanctions in Congress|date=27 November 2021}} Republicans stalled the bill from passing on 29 November, but it passed the next week on 7 December, omitting the sanctions amendments despite strong support for them in Congress.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/29/mcconnell-defense-bill-amendment-votes-523472|title = Republicans stall defense bill over amendment dispute|website = Politico| date=29 November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/house-approves-defense-authorization-bill-rcna7987|title=House approves defense authorization bill|website=NBC News|date=8 December 2021}}

On 13 January 2022, US Senator Ted Cruz introduced a bill to reimpose the waived sanctions regardless whether Russia invaded Ukraine. Democrats favored a more extensive version which would impose a wider range of sanctions besides those on Nord Stream 2. The bill was voted on with 55 senators (49 Republicans, 6 Democrats) in favor, and 44 Democrats who opposed the bill with Senate Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez arguing that imposing immediate sanctions centered on Nord Stream 2 regardless if Russia invaded Ukraine would give Putin one less reason not to invade and that sanctions would have to go far beyond Nord Stream to be effective.{{Cite web |url=https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/02/08/senator-menendez-i-want-all-russians-to-feel-the-pain/ |first1=Nick |last1=Cleveland-Stout |title=Senator Menendez: I want all Russians to feel the pain |date=8 February 2022 |work=Responsible Statecraft|access-date=6 September 2022}}{{Cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/01/13/politics/nord-stream-pipeline-democrats-defeat-cruz-bill/index.html |first1=Ted |last1=Barrett |first2=Matthew |last2=Hoye|title=Senate votes down Cruz's bill to impose sanctions over Nord Stream pipeline |date=14 January 2022 |agency=CNN|access-date=6 September 2022}} The Cruz bill failed to secure 60 votes needed for passage{{Cite news|last1=Gardner|first1=Timothy|last2=Cowan|first2=Richard|date=2022-01-14|title=Cruz's Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill fails in U.S. Senate|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-democrats-slam-cruz-nord-stream-2-sanctions-bill-ahead-vote-2022-01-13/|access-date=2022-02-22}} but Senators continued work towards a bill expanding sanctions far beyond those on Nord Stream.

Following reports of Russian troops massing near the border with Ukraine and fears of an invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions on 23 November, targeting eight people and 17 vessels as "pursuant to PEESA in connection with Nord Stream 2".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/politics/nord-stream-2-sanctions/index.html|title=US announces new Nord Stream 2 sanctions on Russian-linked entity and a vessel|author=Nicole Gaouette|website=CNN|date=23 November 2021}}

In order to provide strong incentives for Russia not to invade Ukraine, bill sponsor Senator Bob Menendez argued that sanctions would have to be devastating to the entire Russian economy, and that every Russian would have to feel them. The wider set of sanctions in Senate bill 3488, "Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022"{{USBill|117|S|3488}} would impose significant compliance challenges for companies doing business in Russia, not just Nord Stream and its European and Russian backers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2022/2/impact-of-potential-us-russia-sanctions-in-relatio |first1= Chris|last1=Hill|first2=Patrick |last2= Murphy| first3=Douglas |last3= Maag |first4= Catriona |last4= Campbell |title=Impact of Potential US-Russia Sanctions in Relation to Ukraine Situation |date=16 February 2022 |work=Clyde & Co|access-date=6 September 2022}} Although both parties had reached agreement on central parts of the plan, by mid February Biden and US intelligence agencies were briefing allies and Congressional leaders that Russia would likely invade.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/11/biden-ukraine-us-russian-invasion-winter-olympics|first1=Julian |last1=Borger|first2=Dan |last2=Sabbagh |title=US warns of 'distinct possibility' Russia will invade Ukraine within days |date=11 February 2022|agency=The Guardian|access-date=6 September 2022}}

The work on the sanctions bill was paused and replaced with a declaration critical of Russia's provocative and reckless military buildup along Ukraine's border and warning Putin to cease his threats to Ukraine and NATO.{{Cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/18/congress-sanctions-russias-aggression-00010051|first1=Andrew |last1=Desiderio |title=Why Congress' sanctions push cooled even as Russia's aggression didn't |date=18 February 2022|agency=Politico|access-date=6 September 2022}} Earlier in the month, Menendez and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell had been personally assured during a visit by German Chancellor Scholz that if Russia invaded, Nord Stream 2 would be halted.{{Cite news |url=https://rollcall.com/2022/02/08/senators-say-german-chancellor-backs-biden-on-russia-nord-stream-2/|first1=Rachel |last1=Oswald |title=Senators say German chancellor backs Biden on Russia, Nord Stream 2 |date=8 February 2022|agency=Roll Call|access-date=6 September 2022}}

File:Meeting with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel4.jpg criticized the United States's sanctions against Russia that target EU–Russia energy projects.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-angela-merkel-slams-planned-us-sanctions-on-russia/a-39276878 |title=Germany's Angela Merkel slams planned US sanctions on Russia |date=16 June 2017|agency=Deutsche Welle|access-date=6 September 2022}}]]

In late October 2021, the approval of the pipeline was still in process as permits were expected from the German regulatory Federal Network Agency ({{lang |de |Bundesnetzagentur}}) and finally from the European Commission later that year. The German agency still awaited the processing of applications by the Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz and the Ukraine gas grid company GTSOU. Poland also voiced opposition to the approval of the pipeline as it feared a lack of Russian gas transits through its territory. However, spokesperson for the German Ministry of Economy Beate Baron said on 22 October 2021 "all the available capacities for natural gas supplies from Russia to Europe are used".[https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/german-regulator-says-touch-with-nord-stream-2-over-certification-issues-2021-10-22/ "German regulator in touch with Nord Stream 2 over certification issues"]. Reuters. Retrieved 23 October 2021.[https://tass.com/economy/1353019 "Existing capacity for gas supply to Europe from Russia are used — German Economy Ministry"] Tass. Retrieved 23 October 2021.

Earlier that week, the Swiss-based operator confirmed it had filled the first line of the pipeline with "technical" gas. On 21 October 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the pipeline would start gas delivery the day after Germany approved it. Regulatory clearance for Nord Stream 2 would double Russia's gas exports to the Baltic and Germany to {{convert|110|e9m3|e12ft3|abbr=off}} per year. Economic pressures for its approval in Germany were mounting, as tight supplies and soaring prices increased costs in transportation and heating fuel markets.[https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-nord-stream-2-start-gas-sales-europe-right-after-its-approval-2021-10-21/ "Putin: Nord Stream 2 to start gas sales to Europe right after its approval"] Reuters. Retrieved 23 October 2021.

Approvals for gas delivery through the fully constructed pipeline were further delayed in late November 2021, when Germany required that part of the assets of the Switzerland-registered Nord Stream AG including the pipeline itself to be transferred to a Germany-registered business entity. Concurrently, the US Department of State imposed more financial sanctions on Russian companies connected to Nord Stream 2. President Joe Biden earlier waived sanctions on German companies involved in the project.[https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/politics/nord-stream-2-sanctions/index.html "US announces new Nord Stream 2 sanctions on Russian-linked entity and a vessel"] CNN. Retrieved 23 November 2021. The US and the European Union had accused Russian-owned Gazprom of not having delivered sufficient gas through existing pipelines, while Russia claimed that those pipelines were already delivering natural gas at full capacities.{{Cite web |title=IEA chief accuses Russia of worsening Europe's gas crisis |url=https://www.carbonbrief.org/daily-brief/iea-chief-accuses-russia-of-worsening-europes-gas-crisis/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Carbon Brief |language=en}} According to energy analysts, the delay of gas deliveries through Nord Stream 2 had significantly exacerbated the 2021 energy crisis.[https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/living-hand-mouth-europes-gas-crunch-shows-little-sign-easing-2021-11-22/ "Analysis: 'Living hand to mouth': Europe's gas crunch shows little sign of easing"] Reuters. Retrieved 23 November 2021.

In February 2022, Menendez and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell had been personally assured during a visit by German Chancellor Scholz that if Russia invaded, Nord Stream 2 would be halted.

On 2 March, it was reported that Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom, had ended business operations and laid off all 106 members of its staff as a result of sanctions imposed as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, though earlier reports that it had filed for bankruptcy were denied.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/nord-stream-2-says-it-has-not-filed-insolvency-2022-03-02/ |title=Nord Stream 2 says it has not filed for insolvency |date=2022-03-02 |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Reuters}}{{cite news|url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/nord-stream-2-ag-lays-off-all-staff-due-to-hard-hitting-sanctions|title=Nord Stream 2 AG Lays Off All Staff Due to Hard-Hitting Sanctions|date=2 March 2022|newspaper=Maritime Executive}}

Royal Dutch Shell, which financed 10% of the project, may have to write off $1 billion if it never opens.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/article/shell-faces-1bn-hit-if-nord-stream-2-never-opens-c8nrsl7z7|title=Shell faces $1bn hit if Nord Stream 2 never opens|author=Emily Gosden (Energy)|date=7 June 2023 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}} On 2 March, Wintershall Dea revealed that it had decided to write off its financing of Nord Stream 2, which it highlighted totals around €1 billion.{{Cite web |title=Wintershall Dea Writes Off $1.1B NS2 Financing |url=https://www.rigzone.com/news/wintershall_dea_writes_off_11b_ns2_financing-03-mar-2022-168124-article/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=www.rigzone.com |language=en}} On 7 March, Uniper announced that it had taken the decision to record a full impairment loss on its loan to Nord Stream 2.{{Cite web |title=Uniper Takes $1B+ Hit on Nord Stream 2 |url=https://www.rigzone.com/news/uniper_takes_1b_hit_on_nord_stream_2-09-mar-2022-168183-article/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=www.rigzone.com |language=en}} The company noted that it will recognize an impairment loss of its loans towards Nord Stream 2 AG in the amount of €987 million.

Nord Stream 2 AG could seek compensation from the German government and international arbitration under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).{{Cite web |date=2022-02-25 |title=Germany suspends Nord Stream 2: Q&A on what happens next |url=https://energypost.eu/germany-suspends-nord-stream-2-qa-on-what-happens-next/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Energy Post |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last1=Nasr |first1=Joseph |last2=Wacket |first2=Markus |date=2022-02-23 |title=Explainer: Suspension, sanctions, lawsuits: Germany's Nord Stream 2 headache |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/suspension-sanctions-lawsuits-germanys-nord-stream-2-headache-2022-02-23/ |access-date=2022-04-14}}

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia wrote on online social media service Twitter: "welcome to the new world where Europeans will soon have to pay 2,000 euros per thousand cubic metres!" suggesting prices were set to double.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/ | title=Germany freezes Nord Stream 2 gas project as Ukraine crisis deepens | newspaper=Reuters | date=22 February 2022 | last1=Marsh | first1=Sarah | last2=Chambers | first2=Madeline}}

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the future of the pipeline would depend on Russia's actions in Ukraine. On 19 February 2022 she told the Munich Security Conference that Europe could not be overly dependent on Russia for its energy needs.{{Cite web|last=Oelofse|first=Louis|title=NATO's Jens Stoltenberg urges Russia to 'step back from the brink' {{!}} DW {{!}} 19.02.2022|url=https://www.dw.com/en/natos-jens-stoltenberg-urges-russia-to-step-back-from-the-brink/a-60840025|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB}}

President Barack Obama opposed Nord Stream{{nbsp}}2, echoing the policy of his predecessor George W. Bush who opposed Nord Stream{{nbsp}}1. The US and European nations such as Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania opposed Nord Stream 2 on the grounds that it increased dependence on Russian energy and posed a security threat to the EU. After 2014, these countries further argued that Europe should not be refilling Russia's coffers after it invaded and annexed Crimea.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/11/behind-nord-stream-2-the-russia-to-germany-gas-pipeline-that-fueled-t.html|first1=Tom|last1=DiChristopher |title=Behind Nord Stream 2: The Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline that fueled Trump's anger at NATO meeting|date=11 July 2018|agency=CNBC|access-date=6 September 2022}} In January 2018, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed the policy, stating US and Poland opposed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, for the same reasons of European energy security and stability.{{cite news|url=https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2018-01-27/uss-tillerson-says-nord-stream-2-pipeline-would-undermine-europes-energy-security|title=U.S.'s Tillerson Says Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Would Undermine Europe's Energy Security|work=Reuters|access-date=27 January 2018|agency=U.S. News & World Report}}

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been opposed by a wide range of US and European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,{{efn|name="more"}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210822-nord-stream-2-dangerous-geopolitical-weapon-zelensky |title=Nord Stream 2 'dangerous geopolitical weapon': Zelensky|date=22 August 2021|agency=France 24|access-date=6 September 2022}} Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová,{{Cite news|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/2781584-slovakia-supports-ukraines-position-on-nord-stream-2-caputova.html |title=Slovakia supports Ukraine's position on Nord Stream 2 - Caputova|date=22 August 2021|agency=Ukrinform|access-date=6 September 2022}} US President Donald Trump,{{cite news |title=Punishment for disobedient Germany |first=Miodrag |last=Soric |date=2020-06-08 |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/opinion-punishment-for-disobedient-germany/a-53733448 |access-date=2023-11-30 |quote=President Trump is determined to stop this pipeline no matter what it takes.}} former US President Joe Biden,{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/biden-nord-stream-2-pipeline-bad-deal-for-europe/27945891.html |title=Biden Calls Nord Stream 2 Pipeline 'Bad Deal For Europe'|date=25 August 2016|agency=Radio Free Europe|access-date=6 September 2022}} Estonian PM Kaja Kallas,{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-pm-eu-nato-putin-influence/ |first1=Jacopo |last1= Barigazzi|date=15 December 2021 |title=Don't fall into Putin's trap, Estonian PM warns the West |agency=Politico |access-date=6 September 2022}} the European Council President Donald Tusk and former British foreign minister Boris Johnson.{{cite news |title=Germany and Russia gas links: Trump is not only one to ask questions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/11/germany-and-russia-gas-links-trump-questions-europe-nord-stream2 |work=The Guardian |date=11 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=Trump barrels into Europe's pipeline politics |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/nord-stream-2-donald-trump-barrels-into-europes-pipeline-politics/ |work=Politico |date=11 July 2018}} Tusk has said that Nord Stream 2 is not in the EU's interests.{{cite news |url=https://euobserver.com/energy/131605 |title=Tusk: Nord Stream II doesn't help |last=Teffer |first=Peter |date=2015-12-18 |newspaper=EUobserver |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413204351/https://euobserver.com/energy/131605 |archive-date=2016-04-13 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-02 }} Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have questioned the different treatment of Nord Stream 2 and South Stream projects.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/germanys-merkel-defends-russian-gas-pipeline-plan-1450447499|title=Germany's Merkel Defends Russian Gas Pipeline Plan|last=Steinhauser|first=Gabriele|date=18 December 2015|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=5 June 2016|url-access=subscription }}

Some claim that the project violates the long-term declared strategy of the EU to diversify its gas supplies.{{cite news|url=http://www.naturalgaseurope.com/nord-stream-2-trojan-horse-or-guarantee-of-security-28757|title=Nord Stream 2: Trojan Horse or Guarantee of Security|date=23 March 2016|work=Natural Gas Europe|access-date=30 April 2017|url-access=subscription }} A letter, signed by the leaders of nine EU countries, was sent to the EC in March 2016, warning that the Nord Stream 2 project contradicts the European energy policy requirements that suppliers to the EU should not control the energy transmission assets, and that access to the energy infrastructure must be secured for non-consortium companies.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-eu-energy-nordstream-idUKKCN0WI1YV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316175504/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-eu-energy-nordstream-idUKKCN0WI1YV|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 March 2016|title=EU leaders sign letter objecting to Nord Stream-2 gas link|last=Sytas|first=Andrius|date=16 March 2016|access-date=30 April 2017|work=Reuters}}{{cite news|url=https://euobserver.com/foreign/132726|title=Eastern EU leaders to warn Juncker on Nord Stream II|last=Rettman|first=Andrew|date=17 March 2016|work=EUobserver|access-date=30 April 2017}}

An anti-trust investigation against Gazprom started in 2011 revealed a number of "abusive practices" the company applied against various recipients in the EU and Nord Stream 2 was criticized from this angle as strengthening Gazprom's position in the EU even more. European Commission officials expressed the view that "Nord Stream 2 does not enhance [EU] energy security".{{Cite news|url=https://euobserver.com/foreign/141584|title=EU documents lay bare Russian energy abuse|access-date=16 April 2018|language=en}}

Sberbank's investment research division in 2018 voiced concerns from Russian stakeholders' perspective, specifically that the project's goals are exclusively political:{{Cite web|last=Sberbank CIB|date=2018|title=Russian Oil and Gas - Tickling Giants|url=https://globalstocks.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sberbank-CIB-OG_Tickling-Giants.pdf}}

{{Blockquote|text=Gazprom's decisions make perfect sense if the company is assumed to be run for the benefit of its contractors, not for commercial profit. The Power of Siberia, Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream are all deeply value-destructive projects that will eat up almost half of Gazprom's investments over the next five years. They are commonly perceived as being foisted on the company by the government pursuing a geopolitical agenda. A more important characteristic that they share, however, is the ability to employ a closely knit group of suppliers in Russia, with little outside supervision.|author=Sberbank CIB|title=Russian Oil and Gas - Tickling Giants, 2018|source=}}

A representative Forsa study conducted in May 2021 found that 75% of Germans were in favor of the construction of Nord Stream 2, while only 17% were against it.{{Cite web|last=Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft|date=2021-05-20|title=Klare Mehrheit für Fertigstellung von Nord Stream 2|url=https://www.ost-ausschuss.de/de/PM%20Umfrage%20Forsa%20NS2|access-date=2021-06-30|language=de-DE}} The survey found that broad support for the completion of the project could be found in all voter groups. This was after Germany's phase out from nuclear power plants. {{bar box|title=Public support for Nord Stream 2 by party (May 2021)|titlebar=#ddd|width=600px|barwidth=410px|bars={{bar percent|DIE LINKE|{{party color|The Left (Germany)}}|92}}

{{bar percent|AfD|{{party color|Alternative for Germany}}|84}}

{{bar percent|FDP|{{party color|Free Democratic Party (Germany)}}|82}}

{{bar percent|CDU/CSU|{{party color|CDU/CSU}}|81}}

{{bar percent|SPD|{{party color|Social Democratic Party of Germany}}|75}}

{{bar percent|B'90/GRÜNE|{{party color|Alliance '90/The Greens}}|69}}}}

The Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft (Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations) criticised that US sanctions and obstruction efforts were thus threatening democratic processes in Germany and Europe, endangering Germany's interests, and causing damages estimated to be several billion euros at the expense of European taxpayers and businesses.{{Cite news|last=Wetzel|first=Daniel|date=2021-05-20|title=Versöhnung mit Amerika? In Wahrheit ist die Ostsee-Pipeline umkämpfter denn je|url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article231260547/Nord-Stream-2-Das-Missverstaendnis-um-Bidens-vermeintliches-Appeasement.html|access-date=2021-06-30|website=Die Welt|language=de-DE}}

{{Main|Denmark and Nord Stream II}}

While Denmark had all the natural gas it needed, it became the centre of the geopolitical conflict due to Bornholm.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-11 |title=Magtkampen under Østersøen {{!}} DIIS |url=https://www.diis.dk/publikationer/magtkampen-oestersoeen |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=www.diis.dk |language=da}} Denmark has maritime territorial rights in the waters south of Bornholm, where the Nord Stream 2 consortium wanted to build, parallel to the already existing gas line Nord Stream 1. While the US is Denmark's most significant security ally, Germany is arguably the most important EU partner for Denmark, which meant that Denmark was in an undesirable position, where its closest allies had conflicting interests. An official application for the route was received in 2017.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-02 |title=Permit for operation of the Nord Stream 2 project is granted by the Danish Energy Agency |url=https://ens.dk/en/press/permit-operation-nord-stream-2-project-granted-danish-energy-agency |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Energistyrelsen |language=en}} After the application, the Danish Parliament added an amendment to the Continental Shelf legislation, so that security and foreign policy considerations could be weighed together with environmental and economic considerations when assessed applications for submarine pipelines in the Danish territorial Sea. Thus the application for the initial route through Danish territorial sea ended on the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs' table, where it laid for so long that the consortium behind Nord Stream 2 ended up withdrawing its application in 2018. A permit was given in 2019 for an alternative southeastern route in the Danish exclusive economic zone.

Nord Stream 2 faced opposition from Western politicians outside Germany, who saw it as an instrument of Russian influence in German and European politics. Common reasons for the opposition to Nord Stream 2 are negative historical relations with Russia and strongly supporting common and shared EU positions towards Russia.{{cite journal |last1=Jong |first1=Moniek de |last2=Graaf |first2=Thijs Van de |last3=Haesebrouck |first3=Tim |title=A Matter of Preference: Taking Sides on the Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline Project |journal=Journal of Contemporary European Studies |date=8 December 2020 |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=331–344 |doi=10.1080/14782804.2020.1858763 |s2cid=230535192 |url=https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8683469/file/8757681.pdf}}

President of the European Council Donald Tusk said that Nord Stream 2 is not in the EU's interests. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have questioned the different treatment of Nord Stream 2 and South Stream projects. Some claim that the project violates the long-term declared strategy of the EU to diversify its gas supplies.

A letter, signed by the leaders of nine EU countries, was sent to the EC in March 2016, warning that the Nord Stream 2 project contradicts the European energy policy requirements that suppliers to the EU should not control the energy transmission assets, and that access to the energy infrastructure must be secured for non-consortium companies. Isabelle Kocher, chief executive officer of Engie, criticised American sanctions targeting the projects, and said they were an attempt to promote American gas in Europe.

In June 2017, Germany and Austria criticized the United States Senate over new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany,"[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-germany-idUSKBN197156?il=0 Germany threatens retaliation if U.S. sanctions harm its firms]". Reuters. 16 June 2017. stating that the United States was threatening Europe's energy supplies."[http://www.dw.com/en/us-bill-on-russia-sanctions-prompts-german-austrian-outcry/a-39270624 US bill on Russia sanctions prompts German, Austrian outcry]". Deutsche Welle. 15 June 2017. In a joint statement Austria's Chancellor Christian Kern and Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that "Europe's energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America." They also said: "to threaten companies from Germany, Austria and other European states with penalties on the U.S. market if they participate in natural gas projects such as Nord Stream 2 with Russia or finance them introduces a completely new and very negative quality into European-American relations."

In January 2018, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the U.S. and Poland oppose the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, saying they see it as undermining Europe's overall energy security and stability.{{cite web|url=https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2018-01-27/uss-tillerson-says-nord-stream-2-pipeline-would-undermine-europes-energy-security|title=U.S.'s Tillerson Says Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Would Undermine Europe's Energy Security|publisher=Reuters|access-date=27 January 2018|agency=U.S. News & World Report}} The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was also opposed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, U.S. President Donald Trump, the European Council President Donald Tusk and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Questions have mounted about the links between the pipeline project, leaders of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Moscow. One of the last acts of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in office was to sign the deal creating the Nord Stream 1 project in 2005. Schröder subsequently became chairman of the company behind it and took several directorial positions in Russian energy companies in the following years. In more recent years, opposition to his lobbying became more heated across Germany.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/how-german-state-helped-moscow-push-pipeline-weakening-ukraine-2022-02-24/|title=How a German state helped Moscow push a pipeline, weakening Ukraine|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 February 2022|last1=Escritt|first1=Thomas}}

The project was supported by the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the landfall site for the line, and where former Chancellor Angela Merkel had her constituency. In 2019 the US sanctioned German companies and individuals helping to build the line. In January 2021, state premier Manuela Schwesig set up the {{ill |Climate and Environmental Protection Foundation of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |de |Stiftung Klima- und Umweltschutz MV}} to "acquire, manage, own, provide or let land, tools and machines to help the completion" of the pipeline. In 2022, questions mounted about the foundation, its association with Gazprom and its activities that helped companies helping to build the project evade US sanctions. On 24 February 2022, the German Court of Auditors expressed concern about the foundation, which said it would stop helping the pipeline project, declining to say what it had done so far. Public records showed it purchased a ship to complete the laying of pipeline in the Baltic.

In January 2022, the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who long supported the project,{{citation needed |date=November 2023}} came under pressure to block the project at the 2022 EU summit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/12/16/Germany-Olaf-Sholz-under-fire-block-Nord-Stream-2/3911639679771/|title = Germany under pressure to block Nord Stream 2 pipeline}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/olaf-scholz-under-pressure-to-block-nord-stream-2-pipeline-in-first-eu-summit-wh8tdt9mg |url-access=subscription |title=Olaf Scholz under pressure to block Nord Stream 2 pipeline in first EU summit |last1=Brussels |first1=Bruno Waterfield}} Amid reported misgivings of many in the Biden administration about Berlin's stance on Russia, Chancellor Scholz visited the US for what Foreign Policy called a "salvage mission".{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/04/olaf-scholz-germany-united-states-ukraine-credibility/|title = Olaf Scholz is Coming to America on a Salvage Mission| date=4 February 2022 }} After avoiding the pipeline issue at a press conference at the White House on 7 February, Scholz responded to repeated questions from reporters saying the US and Germany were "absolutely united", while Biden went further and said that the Nord Stream 2 project would end if Russia invaded Ukraine.{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/07/politics/biden-scholz-meeting-ukraine/index.html|title = Nord Stream 2 pipeline proves to be a sticking point in Biden and new German chancellor's show of unity| date=7 February 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-meet-german-chancellor-urge-united-front-amid/story?id=82712888|title = Biden, German chancellor present united front amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine|website = ABC News}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/08/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-offers-evasions-russia/|title = Once again, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz offers only evasions on Russia|newspaper = The Telegraph|date = 8 February 2022|last1 = Allen|first1 = Nick}}

Following the meeting with Biden and ahead of a meeting scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 15 February, Scholz faced criticism in the media for refusing to say openly that Germany would cancel the pipeline in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, though others said it was due to diplomatic tactics or legal concern.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-silence-on-nord-stream-2-draws-fresh-criticism/|title = Why Germany pipes down when talk turns to Nord Stream 2 sanctions|date = 8 February 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/6c49bc1b-3daa-42c0-ad7c-85b2cbf46cff|title=Olaf Scholz's journey into Putin's lion's den|newspaper=Financial Times|date=14 February 2022}} Following the Scholz and Putin meeting in Moscow, Putin said the pipeline would cement European energy security, and that it is "purely commercial".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/putin-says-nord-stream-2-would-cement-europes-energy-security-2022-02-15/|title = Putin says Nord Stream 2 would cement Europe's energy security|newspaper = Reuters|date = 15 February 2022}} Scholz then visited Kyiv to meet Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and avoided answering questions about the pipeline at a joint press conference.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/14/olaf-scholz-flies-kyiv-still-silent-russian-gas-pipeline/ |url-access=subscription |title=Olaf Scholz flies to Kyiv but remains silent on the Russian gas pipeline |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=2022-02-14 |last=Huggler |first=Justin |access-date=2022-10-03}}

In February 2023 internal audit of tax authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania revealed that tax declarations by a Gazprom-funded climate foundation were missing, initially declared as lost, then ultimately found at home of one of the tax office employees who subsequently burned it in her fireplace.{{Cite web |title=Finanzbeamtin verbrannte Steuererklärung von Schwesigs Klimastiftung |url=https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/politisch-brisant-finanzbeamtin-verbrennt-steuererklaerung-von-schwesigs-klimastiftung_id_186539359.html |website=Focus |language=German}}

In 2024 German media released documents which indicated that top politicians from SPD lobbied for the project and supported its investors in spite of official stance being that the German state considers it exclusively as a "private business project". German Greens demanded a parliamentary commission to investigate this involvement.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Nord Stream 2: Das schmutzige Geschäft mit Russland |url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/nordstream-schmutzige-geschaefte-deutschland-russland-gaspipeline-100.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=ZDFheute |language=de}}

As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the global natural gas supply crises, on 27 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany would build two LNG terminals for seaborne LNG imports quickly, one at Brunsbüttel and another at Wilhelmshaven.{{cite news |title=Germany to upgrade two ports 'quickly' to receive shipped gas |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-to-build-two-lng-terminals-quickly-to-reduce-energy-dependency-on-russia/ |work=Politico |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=8 August 2022 }} The Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal opened and became operational in December 2022.{{cite news |title='We got too comfortable': the race to build an LNG terminal in north Germany |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/18/berlin-scrambling-to-import-lng-as-russia-throttles-gas-supply |last=Oltermann|first=Philip |work=The Guardian |date=8 August 2022 |access-date=8 August 2022 }} By August 2022, this had expanded to plans to open facilities at five floating LNG facilities in Germany as soon as practicable.

Unusually, environmental impact assessments are being explicitly skipped according to Robert Habeck, a Green party politician and the economic affairs minister in the current German government, saying "ensuring Germany was no longer blackmailable by Putin had to take priority."

The Wilhemshaven terminal alone is sized to receive approximately 80 LNG tankers each year, which could substitute for up to half of the gas imports that the German energy company Uniper formerly imported from Russia, and could supply approximately eight percent of early-2022 German gas demand.

The Economist warned that Europe was becoming more dependent on Russia while its own reserves decline.{{cite news |last1=H.T. |title=Why Nord Stream 2 is the world's most controversial energy project |url=https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2018/08/07/why-nord-stream-2-is-the-worlds-most-controversial-energy-project |access-date=7 August 2018 |newspaper=The Economist |date=7 August 2018 |quote=it also makes Europe more dependent on Russian gas and pipelines at a time when its own supplies are dwindling.}} Vincent RobertiAbout: Vin Roberti. [https://robertiglobal.com/about/vin-roberti/ Roberti Global website] Retrieved 12 February 2022. of Roberti Global and Walker RobertsTeam biography. [https://bgrdc.com/team-member-post/walker-roberts/ BGR website] 12 February 2022. of BGR Group have received more than $5 million and $1.3 million respectively to lobby the US Congress for the gas project.Anna Massoglia. (2 December 2021). "Millions in lobbying spending pour into fight over sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 oil pipeline". [https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2021/12/millions-lobbying-spending-fight-sanctions-russia-nord-stream/ Open Secrets website] Retrieved 12 February 2022.Michael Collins. (12 February 2022).[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/12/nord-stream-2-russia-ukraine-spend-millions-lobbying-pipeline/6704726001/?gnt-cfr=1 'Wakeup call for Americans': Russia, Ukraine in behind-the-scenes lobbying war over Nord Stream 2] USA Today. Retrieved 12 February 2022.

In 2024 German FAZ published results of investigation indicating that the certification for Nord Stream 2 construction was issued in conflict on interest and involving political pressure and various personal-business connections, and it likely should have never been granted.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-08 |title=Nord Stream 2 hätte wohl nie genehmigt werden dürfen |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/nord-stream-2-haette-wohl-nie-genehmigt-werden-duerfen-110096347.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241108071622/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/nord-stream-2-haette-wohl-nie-genehmigt-werden-duerfen-110096347.html |archive-date=2024-11-08 |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=FAZ.NET |language=de}}

{{main|Nord Stream pipeline sabotage}}

File:June 2020 Baltic Fleet submarine rescue exercise - Kashtan-class SS-750 launching AS-26 DSRV.jpg with its mini-submarine was observed by the Danish Navy at the site of the sabotage four days before the explosions]]

On 26 September 2022, Denmark and Sweden almost simultaneously reported four gas leaks from Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Baltic Sea; two leaks in the economic zone of each country. Despite the fact that Nord Stream 1 was shut down and Nord Stream 2 had not commenced transporting gas, there was gas under pressure in each of the four pipes, most of it methane. More than half of the gas had already leaked out at the time of reporting, and there were no containment mechanisms in the pipelines{{snd}}the rest of the gas was expected to leak out before 1 October. By 10 October, some gas was still seeped out of Nord Stream 2, with a surface plume {{convert|15|m}} wide.{{cite web |title=Utslippene fra Nord Stream 2 minsker langsomt |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/utslippene-fra-nord-stream-2-minsker-langsomt/522899 |website=Tu.no |publisher=Teknisk Ukeblad |language=no |date=10 October 2022}} The European Union released a statement accusing the Russian Federation of sabotaging the pipeline as retaliation for the EU's support of Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Andrew Baxter, director of energy strategy for the Environmental Defense Fund, said he estimated that about {{convert|115000|t|e6lb|abbr=off}} of methane had been released into the environment. To date, this may be the largest gas leak in human history. According to German estimates, about {{convert|300000|t|e6lb|abbr=off}} of methane, which is one of the most potent greenhouse gases (more potent than CO₂), was emitted into the atmosphere. This amount of gas is enough to affect the environment for another 20 years, with an annual gas emission capacity of 5.48 million combustion-engined cars.{{Cite web |last=Povaliaieva |first=Olha |date=2022-09-29 |title=4 Holes and 1 Death of "Nord Streams" |url=https://good-time-invest.com/blog/4-holes-and-1-death-of-nord-streams/ |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=GTInvest |language=en-US}}

On 29 September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "unprecedented sabotage" against the Nord Stream gas pipelines was "an act of international terrorism" carried out by the West, US forces specifically,{{Cite news |date=2022-09-29 |title=Putin calls 'sabotage' against Nord Stream an 'act of international terrorism' -Kremlin |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-calls-sabotage-against-nord-stream-an-act-international-terrorism-kremlin-2022-09-29/ |access-date=2022-10-21}}{{Cite news |last1=Cordell |first1=Jake |last2=Chestney |first2=Nina |last3=Chestney |first3=Nina |date=2022-09-30 |title=Putin accuses West of blowing up pipelines as Europe steps up vigilance |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-spy-chief-says-moscow-has-evidence-west-behind-sabotage-nord-stream-2022-09-30/ |access-date=2022-10-21}} claiming the United States would have "much to gain from sabotaging the pipelines" {{Cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Timothy |last2=Lewis |first2=Simon |date=2022-09-30 |title=U.S. has much to gain from Nord Stream damage, Russia says at U.N. |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-has-much-gain-nord-stream-damage-russia-says-un-2022-09-30/ |access-date=2022-10-21}} even offering to keep supplying the EU by the only Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that remained operable.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-12 |title=Putin says Russia can supply EU with gas via Nord Stream 2 |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/business/energy/2022/10/12/Putin-says-Russia-can-supply-EU-with-gas-via-Nord-Stream-2 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Putin offers to boost gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 2 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/12/putin-offers-to-boost-gas-supplies-to-europe-via-nord-stream-2 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}} The charge was promptly and vehemently denied by both US and its NATO allies.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-30 |title=West rejects Putin's claim it sabotaged Nord Stream gas pipelines |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/west-rejects-putins-claim-it-sabotaged-nord-stream-gas-pipelines |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}} While not directly pointing fingers at Russia, European leaders have suggested a foreign attempt to "energy blackmail" NATO citizens into withdrawing their support in Ukraine while noting that it is Russia, not Europe, that benefits from chaos in the energy markets and the war.{{Cite news |last=Plucinska |first=Joanna |date=2022-10-06 |title=Nord Stream gas 'sabotage': who's being blamed and why? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/qa-nord-stream-gas-sabotage-whos-being-blamed-why-2022-09-30/ |access-date=2023-01-01}}

Two artificial craters, {{convert|248|m}} apart, each with a depth of {{convert|3|to|5|m}} were found on the seabed with pipeline debris scattered up to {{convert|250|m}} away.{{cite web |title=Incident on the Nord Stream Pipeline (updated 14/11/2022) |url=https://www.nord-stream.com/press-info/press-releases/incident-on-the-nord-stream-pipeline-updated-14112022-529/ |date=14 November 2022}}

Denmark, Germany and Sweden each initiated separate investigations,{{cite news |last=Bennetts |first=Marc |date=2 February 2023 |title=Who attacked the Nord Stream pipelines? |newspaper=The Times |location=London |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/who-attacked-nord-stream-pipeline-russia-uk-west-ukraine-war-wv99ds7tx |url-access=subscription |access-date=2 February 2023 |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230215171426/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/who-attacked-nord-stream-pipeline-russia-uk-west-ukraine-war-wv99ds7tx |url-status=live}} describing the explosions as sabotage.{{cite news |title=NATO chief: 'All evidence' points to pipeline sabotage, dodges question on Ukraine membership |first=Peter |last=Aitken |work=Fox News |date=2 October 2022 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-chief-evidence-points-pipeline-sabotage-dodges-question-ukraine-membership |access-date=3 October 2022 |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003044901/https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-chief-evidence-points-pipeline-sabotage-dodges-question-ukraine-membership |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Nancy Faeser kündigt internationale Ermittlungsgruppe an |trans-title=Nancy Faeser announces international investigation team |date=2 October 2022 |language=de |work=Zeit Online |publisher=Zeitverlag |url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2022-10/nord-stream-lecks-marco-buschmann-ermittlungen-deutschland |access-date=3 October 2022 |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003052751/https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2022-10/nord-stream-lecks-marco-buschmann-ermittlungen-deutschland |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Nancy Faeser kündigt internationale Ermittlungsgruppe an |trans-title=Nancy Faeser announces international investigation team |date=2 October 2022 |language=de |work=Zeit Online |publisher=Zeitverlag |url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2022-10/nord-stream-lecks-marco-buschmann-ermittlungen-deutschland |access-date=3 October 2022 |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003052751/https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2022-10/nord-stream-lecks-marco-buschmann-ermittlungen-deutschland |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |title=Bekräftat sabotage vid Nord Stream |url=https://www.aklagare.se/nyheter-press/pressmeddelanden/2022/november/bekraftat-sabotage-vid-nord-stream/ |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=Åklagarmyndigheten |language=sv |trans-title=Confirmed sabotage on Nord Stream |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118085347/https://www.aklagare.se/nyheter-press/pressmeddelanden/2022/november/bekraftat-sabotage-vid-nord-stream/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Russia-Ukraine war: remains of explosives found at Nord Stream pipeline blast site – as it happened |first1=Tom |last1=Ambrose |first2=Martin |last2=Belam |first3=Helen |last3=Sullivan |date=19 November 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/nov/18/russia-ukraine-war-live-missile-strikes-leave-10-million-ukrainians-without-power-says-zelenskiy |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media }} The Swedish and Danish investigations were closed in February 2024 without identifying those responsible, but the German investigation is still ongoing.{{Cite news |first1=Dirk |last1=Banse |first2=Martin |last2=Lutz |date=15 July 2024 |title=Nord-Stream-Anschlag soll schon vor zehn Jahren geplant worden sein |trans-title=Nord Stream attack is said to have been planned ten years ago |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus252370644/Nord-Stream-Anschlag-soll-schon-vor-zehn-Jahren-geplant-worden-sein.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240706091314/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus252370644/Nord-Stream-Anschlag-soll-schon-vor-zehn-Jahren-geplant-worden-sein.html |archive-date=6 July 2024 |work=Die Welt |trans-work=The World |language=de}}

• Blue Stream
• Russia–Ukraine gas disputes
• TurkStream
• Yamal–Europe pipeline

{{notelist |refs=

{{efn |name="more" |Ukraine has 11 pipelines with Russia and a further 3 with Russia through Belarus, Poland has 4 pipelines with Russia through Belarus and Ukraine, Slovakia has 1 pipeline with Russia through Ukraine, and Estonia has 3 pipelines with Russia. }}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• {{Official website|https://www.nord-stream2.com/}}

{{Pipeline Systems of Russia}}

{{Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Pipelines under the Baltic Sea

Category:Germany–Russia relations

Category:Natural gas pipelines in Germany

Category:Natural gas pipelines in Russia

Category:Natural gas pipelines in Finland

Category:Natural gas pipelines in Sweden

Category:Natural gas pipelines in Denmark

Category:Gazprom pipelines

Category:Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Category:Baltic infrastructure incidents