U.S. Department of State: Construction of Nord Stream 2 to advance Russia’s goal of undermining Ukraine

U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Heather Nauert said this at the press briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We agree with many of our European partners that Nord Stream 2 and a multi-line Turkish Stream would reinforce Russian dominance in Europe’s gas markets. It would reduce opportunities for diversification of energy sources," Nauert said.

She noted that construction of Russian gas pipelines would pose security risks in the region.

"It would pose security risks in an already tense Baltic Sea region and it would advance Russia’s goal of undermining Ukraine – that’s a particular concern of ours – by ending Ukraine’s role as a transit country for Russian gas exports to get to Europe," the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson stressed.

Nauert also noted that construction of Nord Stream 2 would concentrate about 75 percent of Russian gas imports to the EU through a single route, creating a potential checkpoint that would significantly increase Europe’s vulnerability to a supply disruption.

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