Maas: Ukraine should not be hit by launch of Nord Stream 2

Germany is doing everything possible for Ukraine not to be hit by the launch of the Nord Stream 2 Russian gas pipeline.

"We reiterate that we were a mediator in the gas transit negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. We ensured alternative gas transit through Ukraine. It is also important to us to try to ensure that Ukraine does not suffer losses due to the lack of transit," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said during a joint press conference with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Maas noted that Germany was negotiating this issue with the United States and Ukraine.

According to the German minister, if economic relations with Russia became impossible, it would complicate the situation in Europe.

"This will lead to China and Russia getting closer. To do so would be not only wrong, it would also pose a threat to our security in Europe. We do not think this is the right strategy," Maas said.

As reported, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation around the Russian gas pipeline on June 23. Maas asserted that Germany had already arranged for an "alternative" agreement for the gas transit through Ukraine to be signed even after the launch of Nord Stream 2.

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