US may launch Nord Stream 2 – FT

US investors are backing a plan to activate Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, the Financial Times has reported, citing sources. The conduit between Russia and Germany, which was never put into operation, may now serve as leverage in the ongoing Ukraine peace talks, the publication has suggested.

The deal is being set up by Matthias Warnig, former executive director of the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 operator, FT claimed on Sunday. Unnamed US investors are supporting the plan in a “once unthinkable move that shows the breadth of [US President] Donald Trump’s rapprochement with Moscow,” the outlet wrote.

During his first term in office, Trump was critical of Nord Stream 2, targeting it with sanctions. In an interview in October, he even boasted that his actions had “killed” the project…