The US imposes sanctions on companies linked to Nord Stream 2 in an attempt to put pressure on Russia.

On Wednesday, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on various Russian-related entities and individuals involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2, a massive underwater gas pipeline linking Russia to Germany.

The State Department has reinstated financial sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG and a Russian-based insurer for their involvement in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

A Russian-owned maritime rescue service, a Russian-based water transport logistics company, and more than a dozen vessel owners were also included in the sanctions.

On Wednesday, Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson for the State Department, stated that the U.S. continues to oppose Nord Stream 2 and any attempts to revive it.

Russia's ongoing efforts to weaponize its energy resources were also mentioned by officials, including the throttling of its piped gas supplies to Europe following the start of its war in Ukraine in 2022.

Patel stated that the new sanctions will prevent Russia from weaponizing its energy resources and using its energy positioning for political gain.

The announcement of new sanctions was made following the explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines connecting Russia to Europe in September 2022.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the explosions, which have been characterized as a possible act of sabotage by U.S. and other Western leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected the idea of blowing up its own pipeline, calling it "idiotic."

Despite not being operational, both pipelines were filled with pressurized gas.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline previously accounted for about 35% of the European Union's total Russian gas imports. However, Moscow indefinitely halted supplies, citing maintenance needs. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was expected to double this capacity.

Since the start of Russia's conflict in Ukraine, the EU has made efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy sources by increasing purchases of liquefied natural gas from the US and other countries, investing in nuclear power, and constructing more regasification terminals.