Viktor Zubkov, chairman of the board of directors of Russian gas giant Gazprom, said that the controversial Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project must be completed this year.

“Active work is going on, there is still a lot of work to be done,” Zubkov told reporters.

“Of course this year will definitely end,” Zubkov noted.

About 90-92 percent of the work for the project has already been completed, according to Gazprom executives.

Earlier this year, Gazprom warned investors that the Nord Stream 2 project could be suspended or shut down altogether due to “extraordinary circumstances, including” political pressure. ”

The project, which has divided Europe and drawn opposition and criticism from the United States, is expected to complete the work of laying pipes in Danish regional waters. However, the United States is threatening further sanctions on Gazprom-supporting organizations and project partners as they continue to try to make the project a reality and stop commissioning.