Allies are just those with interests that align closely enough that destroying each other would hurt everyone more than it’s worth. Doesn’t stop the manipulation.
Germany, you shouldn't be so reliant on Russian gas/oil while they are actively invading their neighbors, shooting down airliners, blowing up ammunition depots and using nerve agents on NATO territory.
Germany, France: ...
Imagine the reaction if, say, the Saudis, or China blew up the Keystone pipeline... Because the US is making the wrong decision of being reliant on the wrong source of foreign oil.
Regardless of the merits of their argument, it's not their pipeline, it's not their call to make.
2. Others were affected by the construction of the pipeline, yet their concerns were brushed aside with nothing better than hand waving and a load of Wandel durch Handel rubbish. To be honest, I'm not sure why anyone east of Germany should care one bit about what German anti-NATO boomers think. To make it crystal clear, national security of Eastern European allies is not something for Germany to trade away -- it never was. We will have our security, if it comes to that, at the cost of German jobs. Not that Germany needs much help with that, what with the genius level planning that went into the Energiewende and all that.
As far as I can tell this opinion is not uncommon, outside of the German speaking bubble.
Germany: Hey, Russia, supplier of our energy, screw you for feeling threatened by NATO countries (like us) and US interfering with a huge neighboring country. Hope your not offended by the Leopard tanks and artillery we just sent to kill your soldiers.
Russia: cuts back NG/Oil going through pipelines to Germany
Germany: We're ok, thank you for your concern
Russia: cuts back NG/Oil going through pipelines to Germany
US: Let's just make that permanent. Germany doesn't know what's good for itself. Boom. Hey Germany, now that you can't get it from Russia, would you like to buy some of ours? We've been telling you, ahem, warning you, for years, friend.