Nord Stream has been described as siphoning away a critical strategic asset from Ukraine in the arena of global politics. As long as gas transit through Ukrainian territory continued, many observers argued that a direct attack on Ukraine would be far less likely. This view was voiced by Mariusz Błaszczak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, during remarks at the OdNowa Congress.
Błaszczak: NS Located a Financial Base for Putin
During his address, the minister first referenced a letter from the president of PiS, then expanded on the broader policy landscape shaped by the late President Lech Kaczyński. He connected the Nord Stream project to Russia’s eventual ability to pursue military objectives in Ukraine.
He recalled Nord Stream as a project under the banner of a German-Russian partnership and noted that in past interviews he had offered a critical assessment of the venture.
He stated that the initiative helped create a financial base for Vladimir Putin, enabling the expansion of the Russian armed forces and contributing to the conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, he emphasized that Nord Stream deprived Ukraine of a crucial security asset on the international stage. WhenRussia was dependent on pipeline operations through Ukrainian territory, an assault on Ukraine would face greater logistical and political hurdles.
By rerouting gas flows away from Ukraine, Nord Stream would have the potential to disrupt supply lines and reduce revenue from sales to Western European markets, he argued.
Nord Stream was presented as a security asset for Ukraine that now faces renewed scrutiny in the context of European energy and defense policy.
READ ALSO: Leaders highlight progress and acknowledge mistakes, stressing that inaction is the only sure way to miss opportunities.
—
Source: wPolityce