President Joe Biden's plan to reduce Russian gas loss for the EU marks another roadblock to getting his reputation on track.Brussels expected a lot from the White House to get a natural gas provider if the Kremlin decides to shut the tap. Gazprom has inked deals with Hungary and eastern European EU members despite the threats of shutting the pipeline.
Joe Biden Warns To Stop Russian Gas Pipeline
Biden and his $33bn plan got yanked as there is a lack of an understanding of how the dynamics of EU needs should be addressed, reported the Express.
Washington is struggling to counter the dependence on Russian gas supplies, which the Kremlin has allegedly weaponized. Far ahead, Vladimir Putin had covered his bases before the US entered the fray.
Last Monday, the US president warned he would stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if an alleged invasion of Ukraine happened. He said there would be another option in the proclamation though it was not specified, cited CNBC.
Gazprom is under the Kremlin, who can stop supplies with a call that worries the West, who have no control over how the Russian leader will act.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarded the Russian pipeline as purposeful means to unravel Brussels and its members.
NATO thinks using the Nord Stream 2 is their best bet to deter the ex-KGB man, and they still believe they can deter the Russian leader from steamrolling Kyiv.
But, Germany will not commit to surrendering its energy security to Washington. Gazprom has the most affordable prices than other producers and the most capacity.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees the pipeline that can pump more gas as the best option; until it has entirely shifted to green energy. Other EU members are not ready to allow the US or Brussels to decide for them, noted Jaun English.
Washington To Reassess the Gas Problem
The White House prematurely announced another pipeline as an alternative to Gazprom. But, the firm Biden tapped was wracked by reports of corruption. He's forced to go back to square one while Putin is laughing his way to the bank.
Tapping a $33bn pipeline originating from Azerbaijan to the EU is supposed to be an alternative that belied up instead. BP has operations in the Caspian Sea close to Azerbaijan, which was supposed to be the first gas delivery to Turkey.
The Shah Deniz 2 operation supplies the gas pumped into the pipeline that will go as far as the southern side of Europe, but it was canceled due to corruption charges.
Reports say two Azerbaijan state firms have stolen $1.7 billion from the Shah Deniz 2 activities. Culprits had padded contracts and false charges added to the service.
This problem has pushed Washington to reassess how to solve the gas problem. Overall, Joe Biden's plan went out like smoke, while the EU and leaders in Brussels are seeing red as Putin is in control.
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