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‘Plainly false’ that Nord Stream shutdown due to Western sanctions: US

Russia is “choosing to shut down” the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to Europe, the White House said Tuesday, calling Moscow’s claims that Western sanctions are forcing the closure “plainly false.”

“The US and Europe have been collaborating to ensure sufficient (gas) supplies are available,” a National Security Council spokesman said, adding that “European gas storage will be full by the critical winter heating season.”

“We know we have more work to do, and we’ll keep looking for ways to increase gas stockpiles in Europe, or to help bolster other sources of energy, where possible,” the spokesman said.

Europe risks an acute gas shortage this winter after Friday’s announcement that Russian energy giant Gazprom would shut down the Nord Stream 1 pipeline entirely.

The Kremlin alleges that Western sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine have precipitated the shutdown, saying the restrictions have prevented the pipeline’s proper maintenance.