Politicians and experts have commented on the introduction of a bill in the US Senate on the expansion of sanctions against the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline.
According to Russian parliamentarians, Washington is trying to complicate the implementation of the project and advance its own interests to the detriment of European partners.
“Impudence and illegality”
The head of the international committee of the Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev, called the sanctions against insurance companies providing services to pipe-laying vessels cynical and illegal.
“The degree of impudence of the initiator of the bill, Senator Ted Cruise, who called the pipeline “a critical threat to the US national security”, causes amazement. Where do you put the Baltic, and where – the USA? How is the national security of the USA related to this issue? Only except commercial interests of the States are implied”, – the reporters quoted him as saying.
He stressed that Russia will continue to implement the project together with its European partners, even if the bill is adopted. According to him, Moscow will act according to its plans, which are agreed with partners in Germany and other countries – members of the European Union.
Promotion of the US Interests
In turn, Senator Oleg Morozov noted that new sanctions could complicate the construction of the pipeline, however, Russia will find a way to implement it in any conditions. At the same time, he emphasized that in order to complete the laying of Nord Stream 2, a mutual understanding from European partners and gas consumers is necessary.
As Morozov predicts, much will depend on Europeans and their ability to put their interests above the political ambitions and commercial benefits of the United States.
“It is clear that the Americans are looking here for their commercial advantages to the detriment of European interests”, – the senator said.
Washington dictatorship
Commenting on the US bill, the head of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs, Leonid Slutsky, said that the initiative of the US senators pursues exclusively economic benefits.
“The bill on the expansion of sanctions against Nord Stream 2, as well as primary restrictions, is aimed at ensuring unfair competition for the United States”, – the source told the reporters.
He noted that extraterritorial sanctions are absolutely illegal, having nothing to do with international law.
“I hope that our European partners will have the strength and reason not to succumb to the dictates of Washington”, – Slutsky expressed hope.
Russia is ready to complete the project
According to political scientist Andrei Suzdaltsev, the United States seeks to hinder the implementation of the project in order to strengthen its position in the international arena.
“The question is whether Washington can really control Europe, especially its energy sector”, – he explained.
The expert added that the United States has done a “colossal job” to find clues to prevent the completion of the last hundred kilometers of the pipeline. At the same time, Suzdaltsev is sure that Moscow will definitely complete the gas pipeline.
“Russia has prepared: the laying vessel is registered with one of the funds for which any sanctions are not a threat”, – the source said.
New Sanctions Bill
Earlier, a bill on sanctions against Nord Stream 2 was introduced to the US Senate.
It implies restrictions against companies that provide underwriting, insurance and reinsurance services for vessels operating on the pipeline. The document was supported by five senators from both parties, including influential Senator from Texas Ted Cruise.
Also, sanctions may include firms that conduct tests, inspections and certification of construction participants.
Recently, the agency Bloomberg, referring to the document and Senator Cruise, has reported that anyone involved in the implementation of the project will immediately face serious restrictive measures.