Russia may not use Nord Stream 2 gas line in Ukraine escalation

In the event of another escalation in Ukraine, Russia will not be allowed to use the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, German Foreign Minister Baerbock said. Germany and the United States have agreed on this.

“In the event of further escalation, this gas pipeline will not be able to be put into operation,” the minister told German television channel ZDF.

Baerbock made the statements after the end of the G7 meeting which was dominated by the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Japan, Italy, Germany and the US spoke to each other in the British port city of Liverpool.

Pipeline conflict

The British and Americans previously expressed concern about Russian troop build-up on the border with Ukraine. They fear that it is a prelude to a Russian invasion. Moscow denies having plans for an invasion.

The Nord Stream 2 has been the subject of a heated political conflict between Russia, the US and Europe for years. Washington argues that Europe is becoming too dependent on Russian gas and is therefore at risk of becoming a victim of energy blackmail. Russia could exert political pressure on vulnerable Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine.

Last summer, Washington and Berlin already a joint statement to prevent Russia from “misusing” the pipeline for political pressure. They warned Russia at the time to “hold the country to account for its aggression and malicious activities by imposing sanctions”.

German Chancellor Scholz said during a working visit to Poland yesterday that Germany will continue to promote Ukraine as a transit route for gas to Europe. “We continue to feel responsible for ensuring that Ukraine’s gas transit operations continue to be successful,” Scholz said.

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