Nord Stream 2 completion would have given Putin additional leverage because Europe would have become more dependent on Russian gas, but Putin's timing of invasion before Nord Stream 2 was fully operational is puzzling from a pure energy leverage perspective unless he miscalculated that the pipeline would eventually be opened regardless.

factualpending

Speaker

Megan O'Sullivan

Evidence Quote

“he seems that his leverage would have been even greater had nordstream 2 been open so it does seem slightly odd in terms of timing because it seems he would have had even more leverage”

Source

The World’s First Energy Crisis | Foreign Affairs Interview Podcast— Foreign Affairs
Created: 8/12/2026, 6:30:33 PM

My Notes

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