Nord Stream 2 construction strengthens Russia and weakens Europe – Zelensky

31.10.2019 14:37

Ukrinform

Denmark’s decision to approve the Nord Stream 2 pipeline strengthens Russia and weakens Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

He stated this during a joint briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv on Thursday, October 31, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“The construction of Nord Stream 2 is not just a matter of energy security, it is a geopolitical issue. Therefore, I will tell you frankly that it strengthens Russia and weakens Europe,” the president said.

At the same time, he stressed that the Ukrainian side understood that this could happen. "For my part, I will say that both me and our government were ready for such a decision," he said.

On October 30, 2019, the Danish Energy Agency granted permission to lay the Nord Stream 2 project's pipes through the waters of Denmark. This announcement stipulates the removal of the last major hurdle for the construction of the controversial pipeline that will connect Russia and Germany – bypassing Ukraine.

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