**US Reimposes Sanctions on Nord Stream 2 Entities**
The US has reimposed sanctions on several entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. This was announced by the US State Department on December 18.
The sanctions target companies that were previously penalized for their involvement in building the pipeline, as well as new owners of vessels that had been blocked earlier. The pipeline was meant to carry Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea.
**Criticism and Concerns**
Many have criticized the Nord Stream 2 project, including Ukraine, the US, and other partners. They say it would make Germany too dependent on Russian energy. The US has said it will continue to work to prevent Russia from using its energy resources for political gain.
**Pipeline Blown Up in 2022**
The construction of Nord Stream 2 was nearly complete when Russia concentrated its forces near Ukraine’s border in late 2021 and early 2022. The pipeline, along with another one called Nord Stream 1, were blown up under unclear circumstances in September 2022.
**Investigations Ongoing**
An investigation has been ongoing since then to determine who was responsible for the explosion. Moscow and the West have blamed each other, while German investigators have issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian national suspected of being involved. However, Kyiv denies any involvement.
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