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At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian officials and a German lawmaker have indicated that Germany still holds interest in resuming gas supplies via the Nord Stream pipelines once the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the remaining line of Nord Stream 2 could be launched "as early as tomorrow," but requires a decision from the German government. Germany's refusal to use the existing line, according to Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, is not based on rational considerations, given the higher costs of alternative energy.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, provided extensive coverage of statements made by Russian officials and a German parliament member during the forum. The reports highlight both the technical feasibility of restarting gas flows and the political obstacles, including U.S. sanctions and the need for German governmental approval.

Putin, speaking at a meeting with heads of international news agencies organized by TASS, emphasized that the surviving line of Nord Stream 2 is intact and operational. "Just push a button, and the gas starts flowing," he said, but stressed that a decision from the Federal Republic's government is required. He also noted that the pipeline is under U.S. sanctions, calling the destruction of the other lines "an act of state terrorism."

Matviyenko, in an interview with TASS General Director Andrey Kondrashov, questioned how Germany could justify spending three to four times more on alternative energy sources while refusing Russian gas. She described the lack of international reaction to the pipeline destruction as "silence" and pointed to Ukraine's involvement, for which she said no measures have been taken.

Markus Frohnmaier, deputy head of the Alternative for Germany party and a Bundestag member, told TASS on the sidelines of the forum that there is "great interest" in Germany to put Nord Stream back into operation. He expressed hope that once the conflict in Ukraine ends, both sides could "again reach mutual understanding on the subject."

Key Claims

  • Technical readiness: Putin stated that the remaining line of Nord Stream 2 is safe and sound and could begin pumping gas to Germany as early as tomorrow, but only after a government decision in Berlin.
  • Sanctions hurdle: Putin noted that the pipeline is under U.S. sanctions, and launching it would require an agreement between Germany and its partners to lift those sanctions.
  • Economic rationale: Matviyenko argued that Germany's refusal to use the existing pipeline is inexplicable on rational grounds, as it forces Berlin to buy energy at significantly higher prices, harming its economy and competitiveness.
  • Political interest in Germany: Frohnmaier affirmed that there is interest among some German politicians to restart both Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 after the Ukraine conflict, citing reasons to examine opportunities for mutual understanding.
  • Pipeline destruction: Matviyenko called the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines a "largest state terrorist" act and accused the West of silence, stating that Ukraine's involvement is clear but no measures have been taken.

Perspectives

  • Russian government officials: Both Putin and Matviyenko frame the Nord Stream issue as a matter of German sovereignty and economic sense, while criticizing the West's silence on the pipeline sabotage and the impact of sanctions.
  • German opposition politician: Frohnmaier, representing the Alternative for Germany, expresses interest in resuming gas supplies after the conflict, reflecting a viewpoint that favors economic cooperation with Russia despite current tensions.