"Testifying Friday before a state inquiry in MecklenburgWestern Pomerania, Gabriel said he and others underestimated Moscow's intentions. The committee is investigating possible Russian influence over a regional foundation linked to the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Misjudging Putin and his intentions was "one of the biggest mistakes in German foreign policy that I have been involved in," Gabriel, from the center-left Social Democrats, said. He added that it had been "a bitter realization.""
"The foundation acted as a buffer, allowing contractors to continue work indirectly, without being exposed to US sanctions. Gabriel also defended the government's earlier decision to continue with the Nord Stream 2 project after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, arguing that halting construction could have undermined diplomatic talks. The Nord Stream pipelines were built to deliver Russian gas to Europe through Germany."
Sigmar Gabriel testified before a state inquiry in MecklenburgWestern Pomerania, admitting he and others underestimated Moscow's intentions and calling the misjudgment a major error. The committee is probing possible Russian influence over a regional foundation linked to the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Gabriel denied close federal coordination with the foundation but acknowledged serious errors in handling relations with Russia. He said the foundation acted as a buffer allowing contractors to continue work without exposure to US sanctions and defended continuing Nord Stream 2 after Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation to preserve diplomatic leverage. Three pipelines were damaged by 2022 explosions; one Nord Stream 2 conduit remains intact but unused. Former chancellor Olaf Scholz will testify November 21 and the panel will release findings next year.
Read at www.dw.com
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