But they are a regional concern. Just ask Georgia and Ukraine. Being able to cut off the pipeline means Germany (and by extension the EU,) can go fuck itself when Russia decides more of Ukraine needs annexing.
My answer would be because of Crimea. Obviously Putin has no problem pushing his neighbors around. And without US forces, Europe can be Putin's playground if he wants. Whats the UN or EU going to do? Actually help Poland? No one helps Poland.
Why does Germany need protection from Russia? Please God someone tell me why we are pretending Russia is a global boogeyman in 2020.
They're not a Global boogeyman.
But they are a regional concern. Just ask Georgia and Ukraine. Being able to cut off the pipeline means Germany (and by extension the EU,) can go fuck itself when Russia decides more of Ukraine needs annexing.
*edited to fix typo, as to ask
Those pipelines are Russia's economy. If Germany can't divest themselves that's their problem.
My answer would be because of Crimea. Obviously Putin has no problem pushing his neighbors around. And without US forces, Europe can be Putin's playground if he wants. Whats the UN or EU going to do? Actually help Poland? No one helps Poland.