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?
OP-ED
Olga Bielkova: Here’s why Nord Stream 2 isn’t the only game in town
View of the Nordstream gas pipeline terminal prior to an inaugural ceremony for the first of Nord Stream's twin 1,224 kilometre gas pipeline through the baltic sea, in Lubmin, Nov. 8, 2011.
