Officials of the US President Joe Biden administration advised the Ukrainian side to refrain from commenting on the forthcoming agreement with Germany on Nord Stream 2, Politico reports citing persons familiar with the course of the talks.
In particular, the outlet notes that US officials have refused to stop the project and are trying to contain the damage by concluding an agreement with Germany.
In addition, officials told the Ukrainian side that publicly opposing a future agreement could harm bilateral relations between Washington and Kyiv, the source noted.
In particular, they urged Ukrainians not to discuss the plans of the United States and Germany with Congress.
However, one of the Biden administration officials told the outlet that the situation was more complicated, but did not share additional information about the talks between US officials and the Ukrainian government.
At the same time, he noted that during talks with Germany, the United States is trying to limit the risks associated with the pipeline for Ukraine and for European energy security. Moreover, both sides are looking for ways to reduce the damage caused by this problem to Ukraine.
However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US sanctions can still halt the project completion. Kyiv is still categorically against this project. Also, Adviser to the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak noted in a commentary to Yevropeiska Pravda (European Truth from Ukrainina) that the United States and Germany cannot make decisions on Nord Stream 2 behind the backs of those who are threatened by the project.
Context. The American administration imposed sanctions against the participants in the construction of the gas pipeline for the first time on January 19, 2021.
Then on January 21, MEPs adopted a resolution urging to stop the Nord Stream 2 completion in response to the arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Gazprom stated that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction could be postponed or temporarily stopped due to political pressure.
However, shortly after Joe Biden had been appointed President of the United States, Congress decided to stop imposing sanctions on Nord Stream 2.
In June, Russia launched separate parts of the project in test mode.
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