President Joe Biden confirmed on Monday that there will be no Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia invades the Ukraine although he did not detail how that would be accomplished.

Biden made his remarks in a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Germany will be the largest beneficiary from the pipeline. Russia provides 50 percent for the country’s natural-gas supply.  

‘If Russia invades – that would mean tanks and troops crossing over the Ukraine border again – then Nord Stream 2 will cease to exist. Biden stated that we will put an end to this.

Biden refused to provide details when Biden was asked how it would be possible. The pipeline runs 764 miles between Russia and the Baltic States.  

The president stated, “I swear you that we will be able do it,” 

Scholz responded more calmly, refusing to mention the name of the pipeline but only noting that they would work together.  

The German chancellor stated that “We are acting together.” “We are united, and will take the same steps.” We’ll do the same things.

Nord Stream 2 was at the heart of Putin’s dispute with Ukraine. It has also been a hot topic in Europe as well as the United States.

Republicans are calling for sanctions to block the pipeline. It bypasses Ukraine, Poland and is believed that it will increase Russia’s energy dominance over Europe.

Kiev is also concerned that turning on the pipeline will lead to them losing out $2billion in lucrative ‘transit’ fees that could help its ailing economy.  

President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House

President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House

President Joe Biden, during his press confernece with Chancellor Scholz, confirmed there will be no Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia invades the Ukraine although he did not detail how that would be accomplished

During his confernece in press with Chancellor Scholz President Joe Biden confirmed that there would not be a Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine, although he didn’t detail how.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline stretches 764 miles from Russia across the Baltic states and into Germany

Nord Stream 2’s pipeline stretches 764 m from Russia to the Baltic states, and then into Germany.

View of the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) receiving station, the Nord Stream 2 part of the landfall area in Lubmin on Germany's Baltic Sea coast

View from the Pipeline Inspection Gauge(PIG) Receiving Station, Nord Stream 2 area of Lubmin’s landfall zone on Germany’s Baltic Sea Coast

Scholz arrives Washington, as Russian President Vladimir Putin already has 70% of Ukraine’s military personnel and arms. These figures are based on intelligence assessments by the U.S.

Moscow denies that it plans to invade. However, Putin’s intentions and true motives remain mysterious. 

Meanwhile, the first of 3,000 American troops to deploy to Eastern Europe arrived in Poland and another 86 tons of U.S. weapons arrived in Ukraine. 

Biden advised all American citizens in Ukraine to leave the country.

“I believe it would be wise for the country to go. This is not about the diplomatic core. Americans who have been there. It is a terrible thing to watch them caught up in crossfire. It’s not necessary. The president replied, “If they were me and there, I’d leave.”

While the United States denies that there are exact numbers of Americans in Ukraine, they have indicated that the Embassy does not require individuals to register. They also offer assistance with helping people escape. 

The significance of gas and Nord Stream 2 in Putin’s dispute with Ukraine

Nord Stream 2, a 750-mile pipeline linking Russia and Germany has been a subject of intense political debate in Europe as well as the United States.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz called repeatedly for sanctions to be imposed on these operators as he believes it gives Moscow energy supremacy in Europe. However, Democrats have declined his requests because it might harm relations between Germany and the United States.

Biden now says that he will block the pipeline (which hasn’t been switched on yet) from proceeding if Vladimir Putin invades Ukraine. It would be a serious threat to the country’s future.

This is the reason why Nord Stream 2’s $11billion price tag is located at the heart of Ukraine’s standoff. Republicans call it the ‘biggest threat Europe has faced since 1945.

What is the problem with gas and Nord Stream 2 in Ukraine?

Europe, like the United States is facing rising gas prices. Also, there are splits about how to make Europe more environmentally friendly and stop using fossil fuels.

Russia provides almost 40% of Europe’s natural gas and Europe will continue to rely on Russia’s supply in the winter.

Nord Stream 2 could supply 26 millions homes in Germany if and when it is switched on. Although the building has been finished, it is not yet certified by Germany’s energy regulator.

This has made the topic a highly political one in Germany.

What’s at stake if this pipeline isn’t built? And how can you leverage it to your advantage? 

Ukraine claims it’s missing $2billion worth of lucrative “transit” fees due to the pipeline’s bypassing Kiev. 

It has been referred to as a possible sanction that the West might threaten against Putin if he invades Ukraine.

Nord Stream 2 could reduce Russia’s costs for transporting gas through Ukraine. Russia would lose revenue if it were to impose sanctions or shut down the pipeline. 

For sanctions to be imposed by the EU, there must be unanimity between 27 EU member countries. While Germany would likely be the most decisive voice, stopping Nord Stream 2 will require support from other EU member states such as Austria or Bulgaria who are heavily dependent on Russian gas.

According to its operator, Russia’s natural-gas exports to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline across the Baltic Sea amounted to 59.2 Bcm in 2021. This is in keeping with the record volume of a year ago.

Moscow plans to increase the number of routes via the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was completed recently. However, the operation requires regulatory approval from the EU and Germany.

The pipeline currently accounts for about a third Russian gas exports to Europe.

The pipeline’s capacity for 55 bcm was exceeded by volumes last year. Gazprom, a Russian exporter of gas, has stated that the pipeline can transport more because it uses some technology peculiarities.

Russia was accused by the West, in an attempt to raise prices and force regulators to accept Nord Stream 2, of withholding gas imports from Europe. Gazprom and Russia have refuted this.

If Russia invades, will Russia shut off its gas supply?

It is impossible to know for certain but it seems unlikely that there would ever be a complete shutdown. This would cause mutual destruction.

Russian officials did not indicate that they were open to cutting supply in the event of any new sanctions. Moscow depends on its energy exports. Although it has just signed a gaz deal with China to provide gas, Europe remains an important source of revenue.

Europe, which is also dependent upon Russia, would be unlikely to face sanctions that directly target Russian energy sources.

Experts believe Russia will withhold gas from pipelines that cross Ukraine. Russia pumped 175 billion cubic meters of gas into Europe last year, nearly a quarter of it through those pipelines, according to S&P Global Platts. This would mean that pipelines through Poland and under the Baltic Sea will still be operational.

‘I think in the event of even a less severe Russian attack against Ukraine, the Russians are almost certain to cut off gas transiting Ukraine on the way to Germany,’ said former U.S. diplomat Dan Fried, who as State Department coordinator for sanctions policy helped craft 2014 measures against Russia when it invaded and annexed Ukraine´s Crimea peninsula.

Russia may then be willing to compensate for the gas lost if Germany approves Nord Stream 2, a controversial new pipeline. The operators of Nord Stream 2 could also face sanctions from the United States, even though a vote was not passed recently.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, said on Sunday’s NBC’s Meet the Press’ that the Biden Administration has coordinated with its allies. He also stated that ‘if Russia invades Ukraine one way or the other, Nord Stream 2 won’t move forward.

The possibility of interfering with gas supplies in the region beyond Ukraine’s pipelines is not likely. Fried explained that if they do so, it would be irreparable. He also said that oil and gas must be sold somewhere.

Scholz’s visit is occurring as Democrats and Republicans, along with American allies throughout Western Europe, accuse Germany of being’missing action’ regarding Ukraine. In frustration that Berlin has not done more for its NATO partners in Eastern Europe while Russia expands its military force at the Ukraine border. 

There have been concerns about the refusal of his government to provide lethal weapons for Ukraine. It has also been suggested that Germany should increase its troop presence in Eastern Europe. 

His decision to send 5,000 helmets for Ukrainian troops to Kiev drew much mockery. 

Biden however, said Monday that Germany did not need to be re-instated trust.

It is not necessary to win trust back. America trusts him completely. Germany is one our greatest allies around the globe. Germany is a partner with the United States. There are no questions about that. “None,” he stated. 

Germany has been one of Ukraine’s largest financial contributors in terms of helping Ukraine. He stated that Germany is a leader in economic assistance. Germany’s reliability is unquestioned. Completely reliable. Germany can be trusted.

Scholz reiterated his message of unity. 

“We are one.” Transatlantic cooperation between Germany and America is a permanent pillar of German foreign policy. It will continue to be important in the future. He stated that this will always be one of the top priorities.

Biden also used the press conference as an opportunity to warn Putin about his ‘gigantic error’ in trying to invade Ukraine.

I don’t believe he has any idea of the things he will do. Biden added that he must understand it would make a big mistake to take action on Ukraine. 

Biden said that America is ready to maintain talks with Russia in good faith. 

US Army soldiers and military vehicles exit a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft at Jasionka Rzeszow Airport in Rzeszow, Poland

US Army soldiers and military personnel exit an American Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport airplane at Jasionka Rzeszow Airport, Rzeszow (Poland).

US Army General Christopher Donahue (L) and Polish Army General Wojciech Marchwica at Jasionka Rzeszow Airport in Rzeszow, Poland

US Army General Christopher Donahue (L), and Polish Army General Wojciech Marswica, Jasionka Rzeszow Airport.

The first of 2,000 U.S. troops to arrive in Poland following the Pentagon's announcement of additional forces moving from the United States to Europe in support of NATO allies

The first of 2,000 U.S. troops to arrive in Poland following the Pentagon’s announcement of additional forces moving from the United States to Europe in support of NATO allies

Service members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces drive a military vehicle during tactical drills at a training ground in the Kherson region, Ukraine

A military vehicle is driven by service members of Ukraine’s Armed Forces during drills in tactical drills on a Kherson training ground, Ukraine.

Biden and Scholz expected Nord Stream 2 to be a major topic of discussion during their meeting.

Germany is heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies. The United States does not support the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. 

Although the pipeline isn’t yet operational, Germany is reluctant to discuss it at the table. This despite the fact that the United States made sure before Monday’s meeting that the project was dead in case Moscow launches an attack.

‘Fox News Sunday’: Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, stated that if Russia invades Ukraine in any way, Nord Stream 2 won’t move forward.

The $11 billion pipeline is being built to serve as a conduit between Russia and German. Germany relies on Russia 50% for its gas supply. 

‘We made our position clear. If Russia invades Ukraine one way or the other, Nord Stream 2 won’t move forward,” a top administration official stated to reporters during a briefing on Sunday night.

This satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies shows troops and logistics material support units, near Yelsk, Belarus, as Russia has moved troops from Siberia and the Far East to Belarus for sweeping joint drills

Maxar Technologies provided these satellite images showing troops near Yelsk. This is because Russia moved its troops from Siberia to the Far East and Belarus to conduct sweeping joint drills.

Ukrainian tanks drive during tactical drills as tensions rise

The tensions are rising and Ukrainian tanks were seen moving during drills tactical.

The U.S. troop planning for Eastern Europe: 2,000 troops at Fort Bragg, 1000 in Stryker’s squadron and thousands more on the move from Germany to Romania

John Kirby (Department of Defense Spokesperson) provided details Wednesday on the most recent U.S. troop movement approved by President Joe Biden. According to him, the President was given three components of that plan. 

1 – 1,000 U.S. troops part of the Germany-based infantry Stryker squadron will reposition to Romania ‘in the coming days.’ This cavalry mounted unit has been designed for quick deployment and rapid movement once placed. 

Romanian forces will be added to the existing 900 U.S. troops in Romania, helping to deter Russia’s aggression and improve defensive capabilities of NATO allies. 

Kirby reported that Pentagon Secretary Lloyd Austin had discussed the reposition of Romania with Kirby and that the move there was coming at the invitations the Romanian government. 

France is also planning to send troops to Romania, under NATO command. 

2 – Approximately 2,000 troops stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina will deploy to Europe this week. 

Most of these deployments (around 1,700) will come from the 82nd Airborne Divisions infantry brigade battle team. This will then go to Poland. The 82nd Airborne Division specializes in parachute attacks operations. It is also a quick ready team that can be deployed anywhere around the globe in less than 18 hours. 

Another 300 or so are coming from the 18th Airborne Corps, which will create a  joint task force capable headquarters in Germany. This corps is capable of rapid deployment to any part of the globe and provides mission command. 

Kirby stated that the Pentagon had worked with Germany and Poland, and has support for any deployment. He stated that these were not temporary moves. They adapt to the current situation. As these conditions change, we will adapt our position. 

3 – All of these troop movements and deployments are ‘separate and in addition’ to the 8,500 U.S. military personnel put on heightened alert posture last week. 

Kirby stated that although the 8,500 troops aren’t currently deployed, they remain available to travel if necessary for NATO Response Force (NRF), or other contingencies, as ordered by Secretary of the President Biden.

Scholz, in a nod to the criticism he’s received at home and abroad for a lack of leadership on the Ukraine issue, told a German television station that he was open to deploying more troops to Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern flank.

Scholz said to ARD that he is engaged closely with all of his European Union ally partners, and the Ukraine question, hardly any other question, occupies him more.

“It’s all about preventing war in Europe,” he stated, noting that Biden’s first encounter as chancellor would require ‘hard, genuine political work’. 

Both men met once before, in Rome during October’s G20 summit. Scholz was serving as Finance Minister. 

Scholz also will meet French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish President Andrzej Duda in Berlin on Tuesday and then visit Russia and Ukraine next week. Macron will meet Scholz in Russia on Monday while Biden is there. 

Biden suggested Sunday that Putin might not choose the diplomatic path as Moscow insists on making concessions NATO and U.S. will not grant.

Biden answered when asked about the factors Putin considers before deciding whether or not to invade Ukraine.      

This could be a reference to the Kremlin’s demand that NATO prohibit Ukraine and other ex-Soviet bloc countries from joining the military alliance.

Tensions in Easter Europe are rising and the German-American partnership could be the crucial U.S.-West relationship. Macron is fighting for a hard re-election election, while Boris Johnson (British Prime Minister) is having trouble keeping his place in government amid the scandal about parties that were held under COVID lockdown.

France and Germany helped to broker peace for Ukraine in 2015. This deal was made after fighting broke out between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces. It came as part of a ceasefire that had been reached last year due to the Russian annexed Crimea Peninsula.

While the Minsk agreement helped to stop massive fighting, efforts for a political resolution have failed. Instead, frequent skirmishes are continuing along the strenuous line of contact within Ukraine’s industrial heartland called the Donbas.

The idea of a summit between French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian leaders was floated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed interest but Putin has not.

Scholz, a long-standing German leader and former colleague of four U.S. presidents, took Angela Merkel’s place as Scholz’s successor two months ago. Biden was able to have a close relationship with Merkel. 

Additionallly, Scholz and Biden will discuss Germany’s agenda for its leadership of the G7 this year, their support for Western Balkan countries, and working to coordinate bilateral and multilateral responses to China’s non-market economic practices and human rights abuses, U.S. officials said ahead of the meeting.

U.S. paratroopers arrived near Poland’s border to Ukraine Sunday, after Biden had ordered the deployment last week of 1,700 troops in the country’s southeast region. This was amid increasing tensions with Russia. 

Civilians participate in a Territorial Defence unit training session in Obukhiv, Ukraine

A training session for Territorial Defence Units in Obukhiv (Ukraine) is held by Civilians

French soldiers take part in a major drill as part of the EFP NATO operation at the Tapa Estonian army camp near Rakvere; the "Winter Camp" exercise in northeast Estonia, just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Russian border, included some 1,300 British, Estonian and French troops operating in extreme conditions

French soldiers participate in major drills as part the EFP NATO operation in Tapa Estonian Army camp near Rakvere. The ‘Winter Camp” exercise in northeast Estonia was just 100 km (62 miles), from the Russian border. It involved some 1,300 British and Estonian troops operating under extreme conditions.

An elite group of U.S. paratrooper disembark from a C-17 at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Poland on Sunday, February 6, 2022

An elite group of U.S. paratrooper disembark from a C-17 at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Poland on Sunday, February 6, 2022

U.S. soldiers are seen next to their vehicles outside the G2A Arena after arriving at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Jasionka, Poland, on Sunday

U.S. soldiers can be seen with their vehicles at the G2A Arena, after they arrive in Jasionka Airport, Poland on Sunday.

Another 86 tons of U.S. weapons arrived in Ukraine in response to more than 100,000 Russian troops amassed along the country's border

A further 86 ton of U.S. weaponry arrived in Ukraine as a response to over 100,000 Russian troops stationed near the border.

The US suggested in letters that Russian inspectors can gain access to NATO bases in Romania and Poland (pictured above) to guarantee that no Tomahawk missiles are being stationed there. Comes as Pentagon announces 2,000 troops in the U.S. will deploy to Poland and Germany and another 1,000 will head to Romania from their base in Germany

In letters, the US suggested that Russian inspectors could gain access to NATO bases located in Romania and Poland. This would ensure that there are no Tomahawk missiles being deployed. Pentagon announces that 2,000 U.S. troops will be deployed to Poland and Germany, and an additional 1,000 troops will travel to Romania from Germany.

Additional 1,000 troops currently stationed in Germany are being repositioned to Romania. Romania is located on the Black Sea border, which is where Russia’s largest fleets are positioned. 

Biden stated Sunday that he didn’t want to speculate when asked by reporters if he thought he’d consider sending more U.S. forces to NATO countries should Putin not deescalate.

And the latest shipment of weapons from the U.S. arrived in Ukraine at the weekend, with the 86 tons worth of ammunition delivered. 

It’s the eighth shipment worth $200 million of American military assistance that has been sent to assist its ally.

Ukraine’s defense minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted: ‘The 8th bird has arrived in Kyiv. The cargo today with ammunition for Ukraine’s armed forces weighed in at 86 tons. More than 650 tonnes of US defense ammunition have been sent to Ukraine by our US partners since 22 January. This will continue. 

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, warned Sunday that Russia was in a ‘window’ and could enter ‘anyday’.  

Sullivan told Meet the Press that he believes the time is right for something to happen.

He stated, “We believe the Russians are equipped to carry out a large-scale military operation in Ukraine. We have worked hard to prepare for a response.”

“President Biden has rallied the allies of the United States, strengthened and reassured the partners on our eastern flank, provided material support to Ukraine and offered the Russians a diplomatic route if it’s their choice.

Sullivan stated that he and his allies were ready to assist the Ukrainian people in their preparations.