The operation of the “Nord stream – 2” will create pressure not only on Ukraine but also to Europe, and the pipeline will be used as a tool and weapon of the Kremlin. This was stated in interview to “Reuters” the head of Board NAK “Naftogaz” Andrey Kobelev.
“We urge our European partners to try to look not on immediate consequences, and one step forward, what will happen later, after the “Nord Stream 2″ will be launched,” – said Kobolyev.
He noted that the potential capacity of the pipeline will be 55 billion cubic meters per year, which will entail a drop in pumping gas through Ukraine and Poland.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with diversification or an increase in security of supply. This means an increase of the dominant position of Gazprom in Europe,” – said the head of “Naftogaz”.
He also stressed that Putin “Nord stream – 2” will serve as a pressure tool, a weapon against the West in promoting its objectives.
“When there is no Ukrainian route and Germany will be left with two “Northern flows”, “Gazprom” can use it for various ways of blackmail: higher prices, it can be geopolitical pressure, it can be blackmail other neighbors of Russia, such as Poland, Slovakia. The real reason is that Russians use it as a tool and weapon to advance their ideas,” – said KOBOLEV.
As was stated by the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, the implementation of the Russian project of gas pipeline “Nord stream – 2” carries political risks. During a visit to Finland, he noted, he expects the fundamental position of this country in relation to the project of a new pipeline to the Russians.
As was stated by the Chairman of the Board “Gazprom” Alexander Medvedev, the capital cost of the “Nord stream-2” is expected at 8 billion euros, however, together with the cost of borrowing the amount can reach 9.9 billion euros. In this case Russia will have to pay for the “Nord stream – 2”.
The project “Northern stream – 2” involves the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas off the coast of Russia through the Baltic sea to Germany. The pipeline is planned to be build next to the “Nord stream”.
