Merkel called the condition for new sanctions against Nord Stream 2

Germany will advocate the introduction of new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline if the project is used to put pressure on other countries. This was stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

Merkel said she brought up the subject in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during her visit to Moscow on 20 August. “We have been very clear that we, within the European framework, are in favor of new sanctions if RUSSIA tries to use this gas pipeline for the purpose of [geopolitical] weapons,” the chancellor said (quoted by Interfax-Ukraine).

Berlin takes Kyiv's concerns about Nord Stream 2 seriously, Merkel said, adding that Germany supports the continuation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine after 2024. “I talked about this with the Russian president, <...> we will talk about this both in Europe and with companies that are connected with this here,” she said.