Reuters: US Might Soon Impose Sanctions on Nord Stream 2

The Donald Trump administration is preparing new sanctions against firms involved in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction, Reuters news agency reported, citing people familiar with the White House. Construction on the pipeline was suspended a year ago at the final stages of construction after the pipe-laying vessel Pioneering Spirit, owned by the Swiss firm Allseas, halted operations under threat of US sanctions. Officially, Russia intends to resume work using its own vessels, however, according to American data, it also intends to use the specialized vessel Oceanic 500, which is now being refurbished in the Canary Islands. The target of sanctions could be companies that will convert the vessel to use it as a pipelayer. According to Reuters, several European firms were involved in the work, but did not know where the vessel would be used. The United States insists that the construction of Nord Stream 2 threatens Europe's energy security, asserting Russia as the main supplier of energy resources to the continent. Moscow says the US is trying to gain advantages in Europe for its liquefied natural gas exporters. US lawmakers - both Democrats and Republicans - support the use of sanctions to prevent the pipeline from completing. The Defense Spending Bill just approved by Congress includes measures to broaden the range of sanctions. They will be directed against firms and individuals involved in pipe-laying, equipment insurance and other operations associated with the construction of the gas pipeline.