The CEO of Ukrainian state energy giant Naftogaz says it is absurd for Nord Stream 2 not to be among the top priorities of international talks with the Kremlin.
His comments come shortly after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday. It was the second high-level meeting this week between Western officials and Russia after high-profile talks between the U.S. and Kremlin officials on Monday. A further meeting is taking place at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna Thursday.
"It is really difficult to understand how come it can be unnoticed or it bears no consequences? That is something that should come first, so first they should sanction Nord Stream 2. They should show again their firm stance to Putin," Vitrenko said. Vitrenko said a package of additional sanctions should then be prepared if Russia is to invade Ukraine.
Critics argue the pipeline is not compatible with European climate goals, deepens the region's dependence on Russian energy exports and will most likely strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic and political influence over the region.
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