As the paper notes, in connection with the implementation of the project, US officials promise to take retaliatory economic measures, while the allies warn Washington that the construction of the pipeline will bring Moscow and Berlin even closer.
“The 745-mile undersea pipeline, U.S. and foreign officials say, is poised to be a weapon Russia can wield to increase European dependence on its fuel. Furthermore, officials tell The Washington Times, deep security concerns are associated with Nord Stream 2,” the newspaper writes, indicating to Moscow's supposedly capabilities to install tracking equipment in the pipeline.
Moreover, it is said that the implementation of Nord Stream 2 project allegedly entails certain negative consequences: it threatens relations between the United States and Europe, exerts excessive influence on the global energy markets and enhances Russia's ability to intercept data.
“In essence, Nord Stream 2 provides Russia another tool for political coercion of European countries”, the article quotes Vincent Campos, a spokesman for the State Department's energy resources bureau.