Russia says gas pipeline projects will proceed despite US sanctions

A top Russian official said Sunday that planned gas pipeline projects will proceed, despite U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday that the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream projects will continue, according to the news service, which cited a Russian outlet. The defense bill that President Trump signed into law on Friday included sanctions against companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2. 

The $11 billion Nord Stream 2 project aims to build a pipeline to connect Russia and Germany, but the imposed sanctions are expected to stall the project. The Swiss-Dutch company Allseas has suspended activities associated with construction of the gas line.

Germany has come out against the U.S.’s move, calling it “incomprehensible” while the country attempts to move away from coal and nuclear power. 

TurkStream, meanwhile, plans to construct a line to connect Russia and Turkey.

Russia is pushing for these pipelines to avoid transit through the Ukraine, according to Reuters.  The  Trump administration is against the project because it’s expected to expand Russian power over European politics and its economy.

The U.S. — the top oil and gas producer in the world — is reportedly attempting to combat Moscow’s influence by selling its products as “freedom gas” as an alternative to Russia.