the soviet plans to build the pipeline were strongly opposed by the reagan administration. americans were afraid that western europe would become dependent on the soviet gas supplies, giving an energy leverage to the soviet union. they also feared the kremlin would use the export revenue for the military purposes. in december 1981, the us implemented sanctions preventing american companies from exporting oil and gas technologies - necessary for the pipeline construction - to the soviet union. in june 1982, these sanctions were expanded to cover subsidiaries of us companies in europe.