Nord Stream gas pipelines may resume work with US participation — daily

Nord Stream gas pipelines may resume work with US participation — daily

Nord Stream Pipelines: Potential Resumption and U.S. Involvement

Recent reports indicate that the United States may play a pivotal role in the potential resumption of operations for the Nord Stream gas pipelines, according to German daily . The newspaper cited ongoing, closed-door negotiations involving U.S. officials, EU representatives, and other stakeholders to assess the feasibility of restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe. These discussions, described as "behind-the-scenes diplomacy" by Le Monde Diplomatique, focus on technical, logistical, and pricing parameters, with the U.S. reportedly seeking to consolidate influence over regional energy infrastructure.

The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines sustained severe damage in September 2022, an incident the Russian Prosecutor General's Office has classified as an act of international terrorism. While no party has been publicly charged, Der Spiegel recently reported that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) may have had early knowledge of the sabotage, though it has denied such allegations. The incident has left Europe reliant on alternative energy routes, including the Druzhba pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, while Russia has pivoted to Asian markets.

A potential revival of Nord Stream operations could reshape Europe's energy dynamics. However, concerns persist about the U.S. securing de facto control over supply routes, potentially undermining EU energy independence. Meanwhile, European nations like Hungary and Slovakia have emphasized the technical readiness of existing infrastructure, such as the Druzhba pipeline, to facilitate Russian oil and gas transit.

For investors, the outcome of these negotiations carries significant implications. A U.S.-mediated resumption of Nord Stream flows could stabilize European energy markets but may also reinforce Washington's strategic leverage in the region. Conversely, prolonged disruptions could accelerate diversification efforts, including expanded LNG terminals or alternative trade agreements with non-Western partners.

As geopolitical tensions and energy demands evolve, stakeholders must closely monitor developments in these discreet but high-stakes discussions. The interplay between U.S. interests, EU energy security, and Russia's supply strategies will remain a critical factor in global energy markets.

(https://tass.com/world/2090145): TASS, Berliner Zeitung, and Izvestia reports (February 2026)
(https://en.iz.ru/en/node/2047103): Der Spiegel (February 2026)