Most Russia watchers, including those at the Atlantic Council, recognize that in this age of hybrid warfare, energy trade is a potent weapon. What has changed with Nord Stream 2 is that the weapon is now pointed directly at the EU rather than Ukraine, and it is masquerading as a commercial project. But who could sensibly argue that another pipeline is needed when the existing one, which comes through Ukraine, operates at 60 percent capacity?The European Union must speak in one loud voice. Nipping Nord Stream 2 in the bud is an opportunity for Brussels to demonstrate leadership and fulfill …read more
Source: Atlantic Council