US reportedly engaged in covert discussions to reactivate Nord Stream 2, according to Bild
Trump's special envoy is said to be in discussions to restore the pipeline that links Russia and Germany. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, has undertaken multiple trips to Switzerland to negotiate the restoration and activation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, according to a report from Bild on Sunday, which cited sources familiar with the situation.
Nord Stream 2 was designed to supplement the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline and was completed in 2021 but has never been commissioned. The pipelines faced a series of underwater explosions in September 2022, resulting in significant leaks. In August of the previous year, the Wall Street Journal suggested that a Ukrainian team had orchestrated the sabotage.
Grenell, who previously served as ambassador to Berlin during Trump's first term, is currently assigned as his envoy for “special missions.” As reported by Bild, Grenell has made several unofficial visits to the headquarters of Nord Stream’s operating companies located in the Swiss canton of Zug for the purpose of negotiating a deal.
During his initial term, Trump expressed strong opposition to Nord Stream 2 and imposed sanctions against it. In an interview last October, he claimed that his actions had effectively “killed” the project. However, since the beginning of his second term, Trump has advocated for improved US-Russia relations, suggesting a potential easing of trade restrictions. Currently, one segment of the pipeline remains intact and filled with gas, but Germany is refraining from utilizing it due to political factors.
The proposed deal would involve American investors stepping in to prevent Nord Stream 2 from going bankrupt by purchasing a stake in the company. As per the report, these US investors would facilitate the supply of Russian gas to Germany and Central Europe through the pipeline. Should the pipeline become operational following a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and the lifting of Western sanctions, the deal could yield profits for the US while granting Washington substantial influence over Germany’s energy supply.
The report noted that while the US government would not be directly involved, American financial investors planned to engage in the potential gas deal.
Additionally, the news outlet mentioned alternative plans for the two pipelines of Nord Stream 1 once repairs are completed. Following a conversion phase, they could be utilized for transporting green hydrogen from Finland.
The German government has not participated in the reported discussions, with sources in Berlin indicating they were unaware of Grenell’s meetings in Switzerland. Grenell himself has also denied any involvement.
However, the Financial Times reported on Sunday that the talks were facilitated by Matthias Warnig, a former executive director of the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 operator.
The outlet alleged that one of the US-led consortiums has already developed a plan for a deal with Russia’s energy giant Gazprom, which could potentially be finalized once sanctions against Moscow are lifted.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Nord Stream 2 was designed to supplement the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline and was completed in 2021 but has never been commissioned. The pipelines faced a series of underwater explosions in September 2022, resulting in significant leaks. In August of the previous year, the Wall Street Journal suggested that a Ukrainian team had orchestrated the sabotage.
Grenell, who previously served as ambassador to Berlin during Trump's first term, is currently assigned as his envoy for “special missions.” As reported by Bild, Grenell has made several unofficial visits to the headquarters of Nord Stream’s operating companies located in the Swiss canton of Zug for the purpose of negotiating a deal.
During his initial term, Trump expressed strong opposition to Nord Stream 2 and imposed sanctions against it. In an interview last October, he claimed that his actions had effectively “killed” the project. However, since the beginning of his second term, Trump has advocated for improved US-Russia relations, suggesting a potential easing of trade restrictions. Currently, one segment of the pipeline remains intact and filled with gas, but Germany is refraining from utilizing it due to political factors.
The proposed deal would involve American investors stepping in to prevent Nord Stream 2 from going bankrupt by purchasing a stake in the company. As per the report, these US investors would facilitate the supply of Russian gas to Germany and Central Europe through the pipeline. Should the pipeline become operational following a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and the lifting of Western sanctions, the deal could yield profits for the US while granting Washington substantial influence over Germany’s energy supply.
The report noted that while the US government would not be directly involved, American financial investors planned to engage in the potential gas deal.
Additionally, the news outlet mentioned alternative plans for the two pipelines of Nord Stream 1 once repairs are completed. Following a conversion phase, they could be utilized for transporting green hydrogen from Finland.
The German government has not participated in the reported discussions, with sources in Berlin indicating they were unaware of Grenell’s meetings in Switzerland. Grenell himself has also denied any involvement.
However, the Financial Times reported on Sunday that the talks were facilitated by Matthias Warnig, a former executive director of the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 operator.
The outlet alleged that one of the US-led consortiums has already developed a plan for a deal with Russia’s energy giant Gazprom, which could potentially be finalized once sanctions against Moscow are lifted.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
