Biden announces sanctions against Nord Stream 2 operator

23.02.2022 21:50

Ukrinform

U.S. President Joe Biden has instructed his administration to add Nord Stream 2 AG, the operator of Russia's new gas pipeline, to the list of entities designated in the U.S. sanctions list.

This is according to a statement by the U.S. leader, released on the White House website on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, I have directed my administration to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its corporate officers," the document said.

Biden stressed that this decision was preceded by close consultations with the German government, which had suspended further certification of the Russian pipe the day before due to the invasion of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.

"These steps are another piece of our initial tranche of sanctions in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. As I have made clear, we will not hesitate to take further steps if Russia continues to escalate," the White House chief said.

Biden also stressed that President Putin's actions had created "an overwhelming incentive to move away from Russian gas and to other forms of energy."

The U.S. President also thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his close partnership and dedication to holding Russia accountable for its actions.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Tuesday and Wednesday the United States, Great Britain, other Western powers, and the European Union announced sanctions against Russia due to the manifestations of new aggression on its part against Ukraine.