Former Stasi spy and close friend of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, Matthias Warnig, is developing a project to relaunch the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe with the support of American investors.
This was reported by the Financial Times, citing informed sources, as seen by Ukrinform.
According to the publication’s interlocutors, Warnig, who had headed Nord Stream 2 AG until 2023, envisaged contacts with U.S. President Donald Trump’s team through American entrepreneurs as part of a covert effort to end the war in Ukraine and deepen economic ties between the United States and Russia.
According to unnamed officials in Washington, some prominent figures in the Trump administration are aware of the initiative to attract American investors and are viewing it as part of efforts to restore relations with Moscow.
It is noted that a U.S.-led consortium of investors has drawn up a draft agreement with Russia’s Gazprom after the possible lifting of sanctions.
Senior EU officials have learned about the effort in the past two weeks. Leaders of several European countries have expressed concern have already discussed the issue, FT sources told.
At the same time, the publication notes that the Warnig’s plan faces a number of obstacles, including the need for the United States to lift Russia sanctions, Moscow’s will to resume gas sales suspended amid the war in Ukraine, as well as Germany’s permission for gas to flow to all potential buyers in Europe.
Meanwhile, Waring, a former Stasi officer in East Germany, denied participation in discussions with American politicians or business representatives, adding that he obliges with the rules as someone sanctioned by the U.S.
As reported, the 1,234 km long Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, consisting of two branches, was laid despite numerous protests from Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic States to increase the volume of Russian gas supplied to Europe via Germany. However, it was never certified due to the introduction of U.S. sanctions.
On September 26, 2022, a large-scale incident occurred on the Russian Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipes. The explosions affected both strands of the Nord Stream 1 and one of the two strands of the Nord Stream 2.
Source: Putin's ally pushing deal to revive Nord Stream 2 with U.S. support - FT
