Quote (Black XistenZ @ 14 Oct 2022 05:44)
Germany was happily receiving Russian gas via Nord Stream 1 (operational since 2011) before Russia decided to throttle their supplies starting in June, and completely cut it off in early September.
Them receiving Russian gas via the one remaining pipe of Nord Stream 2 would be a return to the status quo ante, Russia would gain nothing substantial from that.
Some examples for you.
Once the second line is approved and opened, they can fix the first line and have both opened.
Also its a way to break sanctions, adding more exceptions to sanctions makes more countries think like "ok, Germany lifted their sanctions on ns2, lets do it too with our trades and accept some fascist money".
Also mr Biden said he will work diplomatically to end NS2, so Germany opening it will give some fuel to his opponent and Russia friendly Trump, which help Russia.
Also maybe for some reasons ns2 is preffered by Russians than ns1, like maybe maintenance of older ns1 is more expensive than the brand new line?
Also lets not forget the main reason, that still stands valid: Russians blamed Americans to make Germany and other EU angry with America.
Getting your opponents to hate or dislike each other seems like a good plan for Russia. Its a villain act, but could be effective.