The Nord Stream gas pipeline linking Russia to Germany has restarted after 10 days of maintenance works

German authorities say the Nord Stream gas pipeline is running at about 30 per cent capacity, after a series of maintenance checks.

Europe has been anxiously awaiting the return of gas supplies from Russia amid fears Moscow will turn the taps off entirely.

Germany has accused the Kremlin of using energy as a “weapon”, as its gas reserves remain at around 65 per cent.

Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is blaming western sanctions for the supply problems.

The Kremlin says the turbines are maintained in Canada, who had blocked the return of these critical parts. However, Germany rejects these claims.

The E.U. President, Ursula Von Der Leyon says there are other options if supplies run short.

it follows Germany cancelling the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project after Russian forces entered Ukraine in February.

Russia maintains the invasion is a “special military operation” to protect its own security.