Zelensky warns completion of Nord Stream 2 will strengthen Russia as player on world map

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he considers the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project to be Russia's political weapon.

He made this statement during a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the presidential press service reported.

"We believe that the completion of Nord Stream 2 will strengthen Russia as a player on the world map," Zelensky said.

Zelensky discussed the launch of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden on June 7.

Earlier, Biden's administration refused to extend sanctions against companies building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.

The United States will also suspend sanctions against the head of Nord Stream 2 AG and Putin's ally, Matthias Warnig, a former officer of the Stasi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the laying of pipes on the first line of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was completed on June 4 and that the work on the second line was underway.

op