Trump signs off on sanctions against Nord Stream 2 pipeline

[nitpicker]

https://www.dw.com/en/trump-signs-off-on-sanctions-against-nord-stream-2-pipeline/a-51759319

Trump signs off on sanctions against Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US sanctions targeting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany were signed into law on Friday evening after President Donald Trump signed off on a massive defense bill.

The sanctions target companies that are involved in constructing the $11 billion (€9.93 billion) energy project that will transport Russian gas supplies under the Baltic Sea and deliver them directly to Germany.

The Trump administration now has 60 days to identify companies and individuals providing services on the pipeline. The sanctions allow Washington to revoke US visas and block the property of these individuals. Those targeted by the sanctions would then have 30 days to wind down their operations.

The bill describes Nord Stream 2 as a "tool of coercion and political leverage" that Moscow could use against Berlin — and risks significantly weakening US ties to Germany and other European allies. US lawmakers in both houses of Congress overwhelmingly approved the sanctions.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has condemned the measures, urging the US not to meddle in European energy policy. "They affect German and other European businesses, and we see the move as meddling in our internal affairs," a government spokeswoman said.
(snip)

[Pachamama]

1. Putin told Trump to do this so it affects relations to Germany and US as well as help Trump look

Like he doesn’t have all roads leading to Russia.

It’s a brilliant move. And expect that somewhere in this story former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (now with Rosneft and Nordstream) will appear to be involved and “save the day”.



It’s all Kabuki theater