MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The new US sanctions boost restrictive measures against Russia, particularly against the Russian energy industry. The new restrictions also counteract the construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, as the United States believes the project threatens the energy security of Ukraine and the European Union.
"We are not talking about politics, but about business. If it is economically expedient to focus on certain transportation routes, then we will do so. We have always said that Russia was, is and will remain a reliable guarantor of the energy security of its consumers, including In Europe, and will do everything necessary for this, " Peskov said when asked how the Kremlin viewed the prospect to partially or even completely stop fuel transit through Ukraine.
The bill has been criticized by the European Union, particularly due to the concerns that the new sanctions will impact its economic interests, especially its energy cooperation with Russia. France and Germany have spoken out against the bill as it affects European industries while advancing US commercial interests.
In October 2016, the European Commission decided to grant Gazprom access to an increased share of the capacity of the OPAL pipeline to reach European consumers. Following the complaint of Poland’s state-controlled oil and gas company PGNiG, the European Court of Justice suspended this decision in December 2016. On Friday, the Higher Regional Court of Duesseldorf decided to uphold the 2016 European Commission's decision.
