Because of Nord Stream 2-Aus
Moscow: Only Germany is responsible for damage to relationships
03/02/2022, 6:10 p.m
The pipeline has long been the major project connecting Germany and Russia. Like a marriage for the 21st century. According to a Russian spokeswoman, the fact that Germany is now leaving will damage the relationship between the two countries “irreparably”. There is also talk of damages.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has sharply criticized the federal government for its actions in the case of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. “Berlin’s decision to stop the project will irreparably damage Russian-German relations, which have been anything but smooth in recent years, through no fault of our own,” said the ministry’s spokeswoman in Moscow, Maria Zakharova. “Responsibility for the consequences of these illegal actions, which call into question Germany’s reputation as a reliable foreign trade partner, lies solely with the German side.” Germany had put the certification of the pipeline from Russia to Germany on hold because of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Zakharova said it was an unacceptable process. “We believe that we are dealing with a precedent in using an economic project as a political weapon against us, which the West as a whole and Berlin in particular likes to accuse Moscow of.”
Zakharova: A claim for damages is possible
Chancellor Olaf Scholz himself recently rejected any political connection with the billion-euro project, said Zakharova. “As is now becoming clear, the German authorities have been inconsistent and, under pressure, succumbed to the temptation to use the project as leverage against Russia, thereby showing their inability to separate politics and business.” Zakharova pointed out that project partners could sue for damages.
The spokeswoman stressed that the Russian position on Europe’s energy security remains unchanged. “Russia has repeatedly emphasized that Nord Stream 2 is a purely economic, commercial project carried out in strict accordance with international law, EU regulations and the legislation of the respective coastal states.” The pipeline serves the interests of Russia and Europe, Zakharova said.