The head of the European Commission called the condition for the launch of Nord Stream 2

The commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will depend on Russia's actions in connection with the crisis around Ukraine, said the HEAD of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with Handelsblatt and Les Echos; her words are quoted by REUTERS.

The head of the EC said that the European Union has developed "comprehensive" sanctions that could be imposed against Russia if it continues its aggression against Ukraine. These are financial and economic constraints. In particular, they will affect access to foreign capital and include EXPORT controls, primarily in relation to technology.

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline may also be subject to restrictive measures. Whether the pipeline goes online depends "on Russia's behavior," von der Leyen said. The sanctions will also affect “people close to President” Vladimir Putin.

According to the head of the European Commission, Russia is putting pressure on Ukraine and using gas as a lever to influence the EU.

At the end of January, the head of the Federal Network Agency of Germany, Jochen Homann, ruled out that the decision to certify Nord Stream 2 AG, the operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, would be made in the current half of the year, despite the creation of a subsidiary.