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Russia's energy chief vows Nord Stream 2 will be implemented even in case of sanctions

Construction of the pipeline is on track

MILAN, October 9. /TASS/. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project will be implemented even in case the project is hit by sanctions, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Tuesday.

"We expect sanctions will not be imposed [on the project]. If this occurs, the project will be realized nevertheless. Laying have already started," the minister said. Construction of the pipeline is on track, he added.

The United States is opposing construction of the Nord Stream 2 and undertaking measures to block this project. This can be linked to an attempt of increasing US liquefied natural gas supplies to Europe, which is much more expensive than the Russian pipeline gas, Novak said earlier.

The Nord Stream 2 project includes construction of two gas pipeline lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. The cost of construction is estimated at 9.5 bln euro, the launch of the pipeline is expected before the end of 2019.