Blinken: Nord Stream 2 unlikely to launch if Russia invades Ukraine

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is unlikely to start pumping gas if Russia opts for another stage of military aggression against Ukraine, and Russian leader Vladimir Putin should take this into account, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

That’s according to Bloomberg, as reported by Ukrinform.

"It’s very unlikely or hard to see that happening if Russia has renewed its aggression on Ukraine,” Blinken said in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday," Blinken said in an interview with NBC.

According to the publication, the United States insists that the German government block the Nord Stream 2 project, which is now awaiting German certification, if Russia goes for a military incursion in Ukraine.

Blinken, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and five other Group of Seven counterparts on Sunday issued a joint statement warning Moscow against aggression against Ukraine, saying otherwise it "will have massive consequences."

"And in fact, it (Nord Stream 2 - ed.)’s a source of leverage on Russia because to the extent President Putin wants to see gas flowing through that pipeline,” said Blinken.

As Ukrinform reported, on Tuesday, December 7, the U.S. and Russian presidents had a video call. For nearly two hours, the two leaders discussed security issues, including the Russian military buildup around Ukraine's borders.

According to the White House, Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on Moscow to de-escalate tension.

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