Grigory Pasko: Nord Stream, Putin's Pet Project

It could be seen that this theme is already simply painful for him.  His favorite project, the benefit not only for Russia, but for the West is oh-so obvious that there isn't even anything to pick at, and yet they still keep picking and picking...»

It is understandable that the pipeline along the bottom of the Baltic - this is one of Putin's favorite children.  It can be assumed that this - is part of his personal financial future.  What I find hard to agree with, though, is that this project is beneficial for Russia.  Just go to the little town of Babayevo of Vologda Oblast, through which three (!) trunk gas pipelines run, and you will be convinced of this.  Despite the fact that there is a lot of gas in Russia, it often never gets to the Russians.  Nearly all of it goes for export.

Finnish premier Matti Vanhanen said as much about Nord Stream:  "Finland needs that natural gas that will be shipped through this pipeline."  One would think that Russia doesn't need this gas.

Speaking about the problems that the doubtful project has run up against, Putin could not conceal his irritation and dissatisfaction:  "What haven't we discussed already in connection with ecology and this project! -- he suddenly exclaimed.-- Cadmium... and navigation... and birds... and cables along the bottom... and munitions from the second world war... Europe must decide:  do they need this pipeline or not!  If it's not needed, we will abandon it and will build liquefaction plants and send [the gas] to other markets!" And later: "I want for it to be understandable:  we will not force Nord Stream through!  We will build liquefaction plants.  We will sell, including to you!  Only it will be more expensive for you, here's what the matter is!"

In a word, everything the same as always - a mixing of hysterics with blackmail.  Plus candid or underhanded bribery:  in order for Finland to approve the nature-study investigations for Nord Stream, Russia has postponed the latest rise in export duties for unprocessed timber by 9-12 months, about which the Russian premier announced almost triumphantly...  Besides the "forestry" incentives, Moscow also went for extending the lease by Finland of the Russian part of the Saimaa canal.

It must be understood that the declarations of Russian leaders are rarely just those declarations that will definitely be brought to life.  Thus, it seems to me, is taking place also in the situation with the gas pipeline along the bottom of the Baltic Sea.  Despite Putin's words about how he will not "force through" this project, it is none other than Putin who has forced through and will force through this project going forward.  Because into this project have already been put hundreds of millions of euros.  Because for the forcing through of this project have already been brought in such forces as Schroeder, Warnig, and many others.  To abandon the doubtful project, Putin & Co., I think, will have neither enough strength, or enough spirit.

Only if the protesting countries will stand on their principles to the end.

But, as can be seen from the meeting of Putin with his Finnish colleague, Russian lobbyists in a stacked deck of cards have their trump cards.

*in actuality, in the original this phrase sounds like «Jupiter, you're angry - that means you're not right».  (Address of Prometheus to Zeus (Jupiter):  "You're reaching for a lightning bolt instead of an answer, - that means you're not right").  But inasmuch as Putin - is not Jupiter, moreover, far from Jupiter, the phrase had to be changed.