Kremlin blames sanctions for Nord Stream suspension

MOSCOW, Sep 5 (PRIME) – Only sanctions are to blame for suspension of the Nord Stream pipeline, no other problems exist, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

"You know the problems with pumping happened due to sanctions introduced against this country and some companies by Western states, including Germany and the U.K. There is no other reason why problems with the supplies exist," Peskov said.

The official added that the pipeline operations depend on the only remaining working unit.

Gazprom cut pumping via Nord Stream to 20% of capacity, or no more than 33 million cubic meters, per day in July because it suspended a Siemens turbine at the Portovaya compressor station at the time when the first had not been returned from repairs. Gazprom and Siemens accused each other of failing to issue correct documents for the return.

On August 31, Gazprom suspended the pipeline for three days for maintenance, and on September 2 suspended the pipeline indefinitely saying that the remaining equipment was broken.

On September 2, Gazprom said there was an oil leak on the only working Nord Stream turbine and halted it until repaired.

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