The US and Ukraine reaffirmed their opposition to the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project in a joint statement late Wednesday.
Both declared their support for measures to maintain Ukraine’s gas transit role and security of supply and in “preventing the Kremlin’s use of energy as a geopolitical weapon.”
According to the joint statement, the two countries said they view the pipeline as a threat to Europe’s energy security, with the US declaring its intention to continue using measures envisaged in legislation and energy diplomacy, including through the recent appointment of a senior advisor for energy security.
It was noted, however, that both countries support efforts to increase capacity for gas supplies to Ukraine from diversified sources.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline will carry gas from Russia to Germany, which will then be distributed throughout the European Union.
Many European countries, such as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia oppose the project, calling it politically motivated.
(Anadolu Agency, September 2, 2021)
