Biden administration places sanctions on Nord Stream 2, opponents remain dissatisfied

The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on three Russian ships and companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Europe.

The project is nearing completion and those who oppose the project believe that the new sanctions would not stop the project.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the administration has placed sanctions on a total of seven persons and identified 16 of their vessels as blocked property under the sanctions law. On Friday, President Joe Biden also issued an executive order allowing for sanctions to be imposed for certain Russian energy export pipelines.

The $11 billion projects to bring Russian gas to Germany from under the Baltic Sea have been opposed by many including Biden, Trump as well as Obama. The gas pipeline does not pass through Ukraine leaving it bereft of any opportunity to benefit via gas transit fees, undermining its struggle against Russia.

Despite this, the administration is reluctant to bring about any strong changes believing that this could hamper the relations between Germany and the U.S.

The new sanctions target a Russian ship, the Ostap Sheremeta, involved in laying pipe for the project that is nearly complete, the Russian owner of another vessel, JSC Nobility, and the construction firm Konstanta OOO.

No sanctions have been placed on German company Nord Stream AG, which is the project’s owner, or its top executives. The administration had earlier this year waived those sanctions, leading to opposition from members of the Congress who consider the pipeline to be a Russian power play.

Biden intends to mend U.S.-Germany relatiosn as he seeks the help of  Europe's biggest economy on everything from the economy to relations with China and Iran.

Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced that the pipeline is almost complete with only 9 miles (15 km) left to construct.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Picture Credits: GlobalTrade Review