Germany has halted the approval of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the country has ordered the withdrawal of a key document needed for certification of the pipeline from Russia.
It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that he recognises the independence of two separatist-held regions in eastern Ukraine – Donetsk and Luhansk – and sent in troops.
The pipeline bringing natural gas from Russia to Germany has long been criticised by the US and some European countries who argue that it increases Europe’s reliance on Russian energy supplies.
UK ambassador to the UN: ‘Russia has brought us to the brink, we urge Russia to step back’ – Ukraine crisis latest
Ukraine key developments:
• Tanks seen on roads near city of Donetsk overnight
• International condemnation at UN Security Council as Putin recognises independence of separatist regions
• PM pledges ‘first barrage’ of sanctions on Russia
• EU and US also ready to impose sanctions
Mr Scholz said his government had decided to “reassess” the certification of Nord Stream 2, which hasn’t begun operating yet, in light of the latest developments.
He had previously been hesitant about committing the pipeline to any sanctions package, despite longstanding pressure from Ukrainian officials.
Poland’s deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski said the decision was insufficient.
“This is better than nothing but far too little, one shouldn’t keep supplying funds to an aggressive state,” he said.
He called on sanctions to be imposed not only on Nord Stream 2 but also on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and Mr Putin himself.
EU to decide on sanctions
Foreign ministers from EU countries are meeting today to decide what…
Source : skynews
