Tusk Warns Against Restarting Nord Stream 2 Amid Ukraine War’s End
Months have passed since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began, yet the question of restoring economic ties with Russia remains highly sensitive for Europe.
European Council President Donald Tusk openly expresses concern about potential efforts to revive Nord Stream 2—a controversial gas pipeline that has been the subject of heated debate due to strategic and political considerations.
During a recent press conference, Tusk emphasized that the end of the war does not mean Europe should rush to reconnect with Moscow, especially in terms of energy cooperation.
He warned that any attempts to restart the pipeline could reintroduce old risks and crises previously experienced.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, running through the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, was widely criticized as a symbol of Europe’s misguided approach to appeasing Moscow.
It was sabotaged in 2022 after Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This event shattered hopes for Europe’s energy independence and sparked intense discussions about strategic policies.
Notably, in September 2023, a Ukrainian professional diver was arrested in Poland in connection with sabotage investigations related to the pipeline.
Tusk stressed that even as debates evolve around the reasons behind Brexit and the future of European integration, the dangers posed by Russia’s expansionist policies should not be underestimated.
According to him, “We are now in a period where illusions about Europe’s secure future must be left behind.
It’s too late for perfect preparation against all threats, but not too late to ensure our survival,” Tusk stated.
He also pointed out one of the most significant political missteps of recent years—the UK’s departure from the EU—calling it “one of the greatest mistakes in our shared history.”