The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused immense war-related devastation, resulting in loss of life, displacement of communities and damage to infrastructure. The ongoing war is exacerbating the economic burden on Ukraine and has far-reaching implications for neighbouring countries and international stability.

"Every politician knows who blew up Nord Stream, but hypocritically keeps quiet," says Vucic.

France's Engie is one of five European energy companies that have lent financial support to Nord Stream 2, which remains incomplete with some 150 km left to lay in Danish and German waters.

The US Senate on Jan. 1 voted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes new provisions related to Nord Stream 2 under the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Clarification Act (PEESCA).

"Nord Stream 2 confirms the resumption of pipelay works planned for Dec. 11," a project spokesman told

US opposition to the project -- on the grounds that it gives Russia too much leverage over European energy security -- continues to intensify.

Construction work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea will resume this week, despite U.S. sanctions designed to end the pipeline that will bring Russian gas to Germany.

The DNV GL spokesman said: "Under these new guidelines, we find DNV GL's verification activities linked to vessels with equipment serving the Nord Stream 2 project to be sanctionable."

Wintershall Dea is one of five European energy companies -- along with France's Engie, Austria 's OMV, Anglo-Dutch Shell and Germany's Uniper -- that have co-financed the project, each committing to invest Eur950 million.

Gazprom and Germany say Nord Stream 2 is purely a commercial project. Gas demand in Germany is growing as it cuts dependence on nuclear and coal power.