Recently, a new intrigue has emerged on the international stage regarding the possible resumption of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. According to BILD, secret negotiations are taking place in Switzerland with the goal of restoring Russian gas supplies to Germany.
What Is Behind These Negotiations?
As BILD reports, former U.S. President Donald Trump is the initiator of these discussions, actively working on a strategy for global conflict resolution in Ukraine. According to sources, the resumption of gas supplies through Nord Stream 2 could be part of this plan.
The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, laid along the bottom of the Baltic Sea, was initially seen by Berlin as a key element of Germany’s energy security. However, after the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, the project was halted and later sabotaged in September 2022. Nevertheless, experts assert that one of the pipeline’s lines can be restored within several months with moderate financial investments, making it commercially attractive.
The Role of Trump and His Associates
One of the key figures reportedly involved in executing the deal is former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell. This diplomat has previously criticized Nord Stream 2, but according to BILD, he is now acting as a mediator in the negotiations. Trump himself has stated that Grenell “will be working on some of the hottest spots in the world,” which may hint at his involvement in this project.
According to sources, Grenell has visited Switzerland multiple times to discuss the prospects of restoring supplies. The headquarters of Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline and backed by Russia’s gas giant Gazprom, is located in the canton of Zug.
What Could the New Agreement Look Like?
One of the proposed options suggests that the U.S. would act as a mediator, controlling gas flows and thereby regulating Germany’s energy supply. This would give Washington the ability not only to exert influence over Berlin but also to profit from the supplies.
However, the plans are not limited to Nord Stream 2. According to Handelsblatt, if Nord Stream 1 is restored, it could be repurposed for transporting green hydrogen from Finland, opening new possibilities for energy cooperation.
Who Is Behind the Project’s Financing?
Although the U.S. government is not officially participating in these negotiations, major American financial institutions have expressed interest in the deal. The companies managing Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 went bankrupt due to the suspension of gas supplies. Now, investors are considering acquiring the assets and utilizing them for their own interests.
One of the potential investors mentioned is American entrepreneur Stephen Lynch, who has connections in both Moscow and Washington. A few weeks ago, he expressed his willingness to participate in the project.
Additionally, according to The Financial Times, former managing director of Nord Stream 2 AG, Matthias Warnig, may also be involved in the negotiations. Known for his ties with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Warnig is reportedly helping to develop the details of the possible agreement.
Will the Deal Be Implemented?
In early January, the Zug cantonal court granted Nord Stream 2 AG a deferral until May 9, preventing a forced sale of its assets. The court’s decision cited three key factors: geopolitical instability, Donald Trump’s anticipated return to office, and the interest of financial investors.
The German government has not yet been involved in the negotiations, with officials stating that they are unaware of any meetings involving Grenell in Switzerland. Grenell himself has also denied any involvement.
However, the main question remains: Will Trump be able to implement this plan and resume gas supplies to Germany? Given the ongoing geopolitical crisis, such a move could have far-reaching consequences for Europe and the world at large.
This article was prepared based on materials published by BILD. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
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