German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday moved to halt the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine and decision to deploy troops to the areas.
“In light of the most recent developments, we must reassess the situation, in particular, regarding Nord Stream 2,” Scholz said, according to CNBC.
Scholz reportedly stated that his nation would not recognize the pro-Russian, separatist regions of Ukraine, adding that he would order German officials to “make sure that this pipeline cannot be certified at this point in time, and without this certification Nord Stream 2 cannot operate.”
“The appropriate departments of the economy ministry will make a new assessment of the security of our supply in light of what has changed in last few days,” Scholz said, according to CNBC.
Nord Stream 2, which was constructed to double the gas flow from Russia to Germany, had been a source of contention. It faced opposition from Washington and Kyiv due to concerns that it would increase European energy dependence on Moscow and make Ukraine more susceptible to a Russian invasion, notes Reuters.
……..
Scholz also said on Tuesday that Europe faced “difficult hours,” and that “almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War, we might see a new war in Eastern Europe.”
“It is our task to avert such a disaster and I call upon Russia once more to contribute their share,” he added.
- Discussion
-
JUST IN: Germany moves to halt Russia gas pipeline over Ukraine crisis https://t.co/YpGz1kNZzP pic.twitter.com/3CCuSW6rTL
— The Hill (@thehill) February 22, 2022
No mention of any permanence here. https://t.co/LpnIVhrwUI
— John Schindler (@20committee) February 22, 2022
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.