The German chancellor asserted that Moscow is hindering the progress of peace talks regarding Ukraine and pledged to increase pressure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to do “everything” possible to block the activation of the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The pipeline, which runs from Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany, was damaged by underwater explosions in September 2022 in an act of sabotage that Russia suspects was carried out by Western intelligence agencies.
Merz’s statement comes as Moscow and Kyiv are preparing their own proposals for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, following their first direct peace negotiations in three years, which took place in Istanbul.
These talks represented a change in approach for Kyiv, which had ceased diplomatic efforts in 2022 in favor of pursuing a military victory, reportedly under Western guidance. While Moscow claims its proposal is progressing, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his EU allies have accused Russia of delaying.
During a joint press conference with Zelensky in Berlin on Wednesday, Merz promised to “further increase pressure on Russia” and “weaken Moscow’s war machine” through sanctions, including those targeting Nord Stream 2.
“I say on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, we will do everything in this context to ensure that Nord Stream 2 cannot be put back into operation,” he declared. He asserted that these measures are intended to “pave the way for negotiations,” despite Russia’s consistent criticism of Western sanctions policy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated earlier this month that Brussels had planned an 18th sanctions package, including measures aimed at Nord Stream 2 AG, the Swiss-based company owning the pipelines, and any other companies essential for their restart and operation.
Reports indicate that Merz is supporting this action and has initiated discussions in Berlin and Brussels to prevent any resumption of energy trade with Russia.
Several European officials have voiced opposition to targeting the pipelines. Florian Philippot, a prominent French Euroskeptic, warned that such a move would be a “death sentence” for European industry. Michael Kretschmer, the prime minister of the German state of Saxony, argued that “Nord Stream is a possible opening for a conversation with Russia,” adding that such talks would benefit Germany as its economy requires Russian gas supplies for normal functioning.
Previous reports have also suggested that Russia and the US were exploring options to resume shipments through the still-intact line of Nord Stream 2.
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