Pompeii: US to impose sanctions on companies helping Russia build gas pipeline in Europe

We will do everything we can to ensure that the pipeline does not threaten Europe”, Pompeo said during a session in the Senate, adding: We want Europe to have safe and stable energy resources, which cannot be stopped even if Russia wants to.

Pompeo has told a panel that the United States has already been in touch with some companies working on the North Stream 2 project to discuss the risks they face if they do not stop their activities.

The State Department and Treasury Department “have made very clear in their conversations with those with equipment there about the danger they face if they continue to finalise gas pipeline work”, he has said.

The US rejects North Stream 2 project, which could cross the Baltic Sea by doubling Russia's natural gas exports to Germany via Ukraine.

Washington claims this project would increase Europe's dependence on Russia, as well as damage Ukraine.

Work on this $11 billion pipeline, which is 90 percent finished, was halted in December, after the US passed a law imposing sanctions on gas-set ships, pushing the Swiss-based AllSeas company to leave the works.

Russian ships are aiming to finish the job, but seeking the help of international companies, which Pompeo has now threatened with sanctions.