The U.S. is cranking up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stay out of Ukraine by threatening to block the opening of a Russian-owned natural gas pipeline.
Nord Stream 2 has faced widespread opposition in Washington among Republicans and Democrats, who argue it would increase Russia’s economic and political leverage over Europe.
President Joe Biden also opposes the pipeline, yet in May his administration waived sanctions on the pipeline’s operator as the U.S. tried to rebuild ties with Germany, which had seriously frayed under Trump. Democrats countered with their own legislation that would personally sanction Putin and members of his inner circle if the Kremlin invades Ukraine. Lawmakers have not voted on that legislation., will meet with Biden at the White House on Feb. 7 to discuss Russian aggression toward Ukraine and other issues. Nord Stream 2 also is expected to be on the agenda.
Germany is working on “a strong package of sanctions” that would cover several areas, including Nord Stream 2, Baerbock told parliament on Thursday.
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