The US ambassador to Germany has warned companies involved in the construction of the Russia-led Nord Stream-2 pipeline that it could face sanctions if it insists on the project, a senior US official said on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump has accused Germany of being "captive" to Moscow for relying on Russian energy and urging it to stop working on the $ 11 billion gas pipeline.
The pipeline, which will deliver gas directly to Germany under the Baltic Sea, is causing a rift between Germany and its allies because it would deprive Ukraine of its lucrative gas transit fees.
The US embassy said Ambassador Richard Grenell addressed the issue in a letter sent to several companies.
"The letter reminds companies operating in the Russian pipeline sector of energy export that they are under threat under the law to confront America's enemies through sanctions," the embassy spokesman said.
Germany and other European allies accuse Washington of using the law to interfere in foreign policy and energy policy for other countries because of its extraterritorial application.
There was no direct reaction to Grenell's speech from the German government or companies involved in Nord Stream -2.
The Russian gas giant Gazprom is carrying out the project in cooperation with its Western partners Unipar, Ventserhal, Engi, OMV of Austria and the British-Dutch Shell Group.
0 Comments