Russia's role in gas shortage

 Euronews reports that the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has been completed but Russia has not yet turned on the taps.

The 1,230-kilometre conduct running under the Baltic Sea and directly linking Russia and Germany is now complete but hasn't begun operations due to bureaucratic hurdles. The project has been heavily criticised inside and outside the EU for perpetuating the bloc's dependence on fossil fuels and extending President Putin's geopolitical influence. Gazprom, the pipeline's main backer, and the Russian government have denied any involvement in the energy crunch but insist the pipeline should be put to work "as soon as possible". Critics, however, think the timing of the crisis seems too favourable for the Kremlin's agenda.

Perhaps the Russians are waiting on German MPs' choice of coalition and who is to lead it. They may also hope to use the supply of much-needed gas to the Germans as a lever for German support for removal of UN/US sanctions.

(The Euronews article in full gives a detailed background to the gas situation.)