The presidents of Turkey and Russia formally launched the “Turkish Stream” pipeline which will carry Russian natural gas to southern Europe through Turkey, part of Moscow’s efforts to reduce shipments via Ukraine.
US sanctions will apply to any additional lines to the Russia-sponsored pipeline “Turkish Stream”.
Serbia has already competed and Bulgaria is building expensive infrastructure to import gas from Turkish Stream and carry it to Hungary and Austria.
The pipeline project, stretching 930 km across the Black Sea, reinforces strong energy ties between Moscow and Ankara, which have also increased defence cooperation after Turkey bought advanced Russian missile defences last year.
This raises complex questions about both Bulgaria's national security and the development of the relations with various countries, including the United States.
