US Ambassador to Berlin Richard Grenell sent letters to a number of German companies warning them of a “significant risk of sanctions” due to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. This is reported by Bild, whose correspondents have read the letter. We are talking about companies that are involved in the project.

“We reiterate that companies involved in the Russian energy export sector are engaged in activities that pose a significant risk of sanctions. Ultimately, companies supporting the construction of Nord Stream 2, as well as the Turkish Stream, are actively undermining the security of Ukraine and Europe,” Bild quotes from Grenell’s letter.

The German Foreign Ministry, commenting on this information, stated that such actions on the part of the American ambassador are contrary to diplomatic norms. At the same time, Grenell’s representative said that the letter should not be regarded as a threat, but as a “transparent message of American policy.”

Earlier, the German publication Handelsblatt, citing sources, reported that the United States may impose sanctions against European construction companies participating in the Nord Stream 2 project. These measures may affect the Allseas group, headquartered in Switzerland, and the Italian Saipem.

The Nord Stream 2 project involves the construction of two gas pipeline lines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters. m of gas per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It will bypass transit states - Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries. The operator of the Nord Stream 2 AG gas pipeline belongs to Gazprom. Five European companies are participating in the project: Austrian OMV, French Engie, British-Dutch Shell and German Wintershall and Uniper. plans to complete the construction of the gas pipeline Gazprom by the end of 2019.

Bild learned about letters from the US Ambassador to German companies threatening sanctions