The Nord Stream-2 Ukraine bypass pipeline could cut 2.5-3% off the country’s GDP

The Nord Stream-2 Ukraine bypass pipeline could cut 2.5-3% off the country’s GDP, the Finance Ministry calculates. Scheduled to be fully operational in 2020, the direct Russia-Germany pipeline would make Ukraine’s gas transportation system redundant. On Tuesday at the United Nations, President Trump warned that constructions of the pipeline would leave Germany vulnerable to “extortion and intimidation” by Russia. Trump said: “Germany will become totally dependent on Russian energy if it does not immediately change course.” It is not clear if Trump will try sanctions to block construction. Russia says it will finance the entire project if Washington tries to block it.