 "US, Russia & Germany discuss resuming energy supply to Europe via Soviet-era pipeline: Report")
The United States, Russia and Germany are reportedly holding close-door negotiations in a bid to resume Russian energy supplies to Europe. According to The Bell, the delegations are discussing ways to supply Russian energy through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline. As per the report, the previous discussions between the three nations focused only on the relaunch of Nord Stream 2.
It is pertinent to note that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was designed to transport Russian natural gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea. However, everything came to a standstill after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine which ultimately led to a three-year-long war that is still ongoing. In light of the conflict, US imposed several sanctions on Russia while Germany decided to halt the pipeline’s certification.
The Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline runs through the Ukrainian territory and has ultimately became the key part of discussion between the three nations, The Bell reported. Russia used the pipeline to trasport gas to Europe until Ukraine blocked the transit on January 1. As per the report, one of the conditions to resume Russian gas deliveries through the pipeline is establishing a truce with Kyiv.
Why does it matter?
Until 2022, the Druzhba pipeline supplied Russian oil to several European Union countries. Interestingly, Slovakia and Hungary are still receiving oil from Russia through this route. Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany completely halted oil imports from Russia. At the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country was negotiating with Kazakhstan to sell Russian state company Rosneft their share in Germany’s PCK Schwedt refinery.
Schwedt used to be the main buyer of Russian oil in the country before the sanctions were imposed. Meanwhile, Kazakh authorities have denied Putin’s claim and made it clear that no such negotiations are underway. Now the three nations are a looking to resume Russian energy supply to Europe.
One of the participants in the negotiation process told The Bell that “the fewer the German agencies involved, the higher the chances of closing the deal.” Several American companies have shown interest in acquiring Rosneft’s assets in Germany, including the Russian company’s stake at Schwedt. Not only this, but Washington is also discussing the potential re-launch of the undamaged section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, The Bell reported.
Sources suggest that these negotiations could be part of a broader US-Russia deal, which includes ending the war in Ukraine. “Two parties are clapping their hands – Russians and Americans. One sells raw materials, the other delivers them. They both profit, while all of Europe pays,” said one of the negotiation participants.
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