BRUSSELS — Talks between Washington and Moscow are underway aimed at reviving the Nord Stream gas pipelines, as revealed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. This development comes as the Kremlin seeks to re-establish its presence in Europe, particularly with a potential ceasefire in Ukraine on the horizon.
The Nord Stream pipelines, which previously transported gas from Russia to Germany via routes beneath the Baltic Sea, suffered damage from what appeared to be an act of sabotage in late 2022. Lavrov noted, “There is talk about the Nord Streams,” during an interview with Channel One, a Russian state-controlled television station. He suggested that it would be beneficial if the Americans were to leverage their influence over Europe to ensure that it does not reject Russian gas.
A shift in European gas dependency
Before launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia accounted for 40 percent of the European Union’s gas imports, granting it significant leverage over the bloc’s energy resources. Following the conflict, however, the EU has managed to reduce this dependence by approximately two-thirds. Nonetheless, the issue continues to be contentious for Ukraine, as the revenues from oil and gas sales play a critical role in sustaining Russia’s military efforts.
Lavrov’s statements followed a report by the Financial Times earlier this month, indicating that Moscow has sought the assistance of a close associate of President Vladimir Putin to facilitate the resumption of gas supplies to Europe through Nord Stream, with American investors’ backing.
“There is interest in restoring normal energy supply to Europe,” Lavrov acknowledged, despite also noting that prominent figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have asserted they will never allow the Nord Streams to be reinstated. He expressed frustration, saying, “Those people are either sick or suicidal.”
Ongoing investigations and European responses
Investigations into the undersea explosions that damaged the pipelines in 2022 have suggested possible involvement of Ukrainian nationals; however, the criminal case is still progressing. Meanwhile, Moscow has dismissed any claims of its involvement, instead accusing the U.S. and U.K. of orchestrating the attacks. Currently, only one of the four pipelines, theoretically capable of providing 30 percent of the EU’s annual gas needs, remains operational.
A spokesperson for the European Commission has refrained from commenting on the negotiations. Last week, Dan Jørgensen, the EU energy chief, reiterated that Brussels has no intention of reverting to Russian gas imports.