NATO to expand fuel pipelines eastward in case of war

NATO is considering the construction of a new pipeline to supply fuel to its eastern territories in the event of a conflict. According to Spiegel, the alliance aims to expand its fuel infrastructure to strengthen its defenses. 

Currently, two pipelines dating back to the Cold War stretch into Germany but do not reach eastern areas, which were once under Soviet control. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO decided to plan new pipelines as part of its strategy to ensure fuel supply across its member states.

The expansion will involve extending existing pipelines from Germany to Eastern Europe, with one heading towards the Czech Republic and the other towards Poland. A potential connection of these pipeline systems is also being considered. The total estimated cost of the project is €21 billion, and its completion could take 20-25 years.

Key challenges include uncertainty related to the new U.S. administration and potential local protests from residents near the planned construction sites.

• One of the security guarantees the U.S. considers as part of the peace agreement is the automatic granting of NATO membership to Ukraine if Russia violates the peace agreement.