Yes. That's the point. I don't even think it's a hidden thing, or something to be "diplomatic" about. The issue with NS2 that I have heard, explicitly states th

Yes. That's the point. I don't even think it's a hidden thing, or something to be "diplomatic" about. The issue with NS2 that I have heard, explicitly states that it reduces the amount of geopolitical strength Poland and Ukraine have against Russia, while increasing the leverage Russia has against them and the rest of Europe. Russia is openly an economic adversary of Europe and the United States, and is openly hostile to several countries in the east. Germany "went it alone", as far as I know, in order to get better prices. My understanding of this topic is limited, so I admit my ignorance here. It simply doesn't make sense to give geopolitical strength to a rival by handicapping your nearer neighbors.