Construction begins on gas pipeline connecting Germany to Russia
![Construction begins on gas pipeline connecting Germany to Russia](https://www.thelocal.de/userdata/images/article/w468/8549c212b563cc445fb9003445a9588eaff55850ad4e917a493c53fdf58b7f13.jpg)
Preparatory work for the construction of a controversial Russian gas pipeline began off the German coast on Tuesday, just days ahead of a visit to Moscow by German chancellor Angela Merkel.