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The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea is almost complete with just 100 kilometers (62 miles) left to build, TASS news agency quoted deputy prime minister Alexander Novak as saying on Thursday.

“We hope that construction works on Nord Stream 2 will be completed by the end of this year,” Novak told reporters of progress on the pipeline, which will allow Russia to ship more gas to Western Europe, while bypassing Ukraine.

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The US last month waived sanctions on the company behind the pipeline to Germany, a move opposed by critics of the project in the US Congress, but welcomed by the Kremlin.

However, environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe said on Wednesday it had applied for Nord Stream 2’s construction and operating permit to be revoked on climate protection grounds, based on a ruling by Germany’s top constitutional court.

The court forced Germany earlier this month to tighten its climate law after plaintiffs, including North Sea islanders fearing rising sea levels, challenged a 2019 climate law.

The Nord Stream 2 project, led by Gazprom with its Western partners, aims to deliver Russian gas to Germany, but has long been opposed by Washington which says it would dangerously increase Moscow’s regional clout.

Read more:

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Ukraine says lifting Nord Stream sanctions would be win for Russia

Germany hails US ‘waiver’ of some Nord Stream sanctions