The US and Germany cautioned Russia on Thursday that if it invades Ukraine, a key gas pipeline will be jeopardized, as Washington expressed hope for a diplomatic solution despite Moscow’s icy words.
A day after the US and its partners formally responded to Russia’s security demands, top Russian officials acknowledged their main concerns had not been addressed, but did not rule out additional negotiations.
After amassing tens of thousands of troops on the border with its Western-leaning neighbor, the US has warned Russia of quick and terrible consequences if it invades Ukraine.
Following reports of European divides, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told parliament that her government and allies were “working on a tough package of penalties” that would include Nord Stream 2.
Despite criticism from the US and Eastern Europeans, Germany has defiantly built the pipeline, which will more than double Russian natural gas supplies to Europe’s largest economy.
