The key facts
- Alexander Novak: one of the four lines is operational, the three damaged ones can be restored
- The decision to resume supplies depends primarily on Germany
- Putin earlier estimated the capacity of the surviving line at 25–28 billion cubic meters per year
One line in working condition
Russia could resume gas supplies to Europe in a short time via the only surviving Nord Stream line, while the three damaged pipelines can technically be restored. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists this. According to him, of the four lines of the pipeline system, only one is currently operational, and its condition makes it possible to organize gas transportation without lengthy preparation — provided European consumers agree. «We have one line out of four in working condition. If European consumers want it, or European countries, politicians — well, of course, supplies via this branch are possible,» Life.ru quotes Novak as saying.
The decision rests with Germany
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that the decision to resume pumping depends primarily on Germany, since the pipeline reaches its territory. The repair of the other three lines, according to him, is possible if there is demand and economic feasibility.
Capacity estimate and the process in Germany
Earlier, Vladimir Putin estimated the potential capacity of the only surviving line: according to him, Russia could supply from 25 to 28 billion cubic meters of gas through it annually, also pointing to the need for the German side's consent to receive the fuel. In addition, a trial is underway in Germany against Ukrainian national Sergey Kuznetsov, who is accused of organizing the sabotage of the Nord Streams in September 2022. The German Federal Prosecutor's Office qualifies his actions, among other things, as a war crime due to damage to civilian energy infrastructure. According to the investigation, the operation was carried out with the knowledge of Ukrainian state structures, but Kyiv denies its involvement. On October 20, it was reported that Kuznetsov faces up to 15 years in prison; his lawyers are contesting the charges and seeking the dismissal of the case.
