Germany's Merz vows to block Nord Stream 2: 'We'll do everything to stop its launch'
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised to do everything possible to prevent the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from starting up. Germany will continue to put pressure on Russia to block the launch of the project, he says at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The leader of the CDU faction, Friedrich Merz, said that Ukraine was ready for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and called on Russia to hold technical negotiations.
“You, Volodymyr, have made it clear that no one wants peace more than Ukraine. Kyiv has been ready for an immediate ceasefire for several weeks now,” Merz said.
He adds that Ukraine has already declared its readiness to move to the next stage - technical negotiations with Russia, regardless of location: Vatican, Geneva, or any other neutral city.
He emphasized that there is unity in Europe in supporting the peace process.
“And I know that there is unanimity with our partners in Paris, London, Warsaw, Rome, Helsinki, and Brussels. And in many other countries and cities in Europe,” he said.
Putin's memorandum
Mertz reminded that a week has passed since the announcement of the memorandum from Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin has not yet provided any specifics. Meanwhile, the attacks on Kyiv have not stopped.“This is a slap in the face of all those who are fighting for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. That is why we will increase pressure on Russia,” Merz added.
He emphasized that the West will increase pressure on Russia to weaken its military machine and create conditions for a real dialogue.
“I speak on behalf of Germany: in this regard, we will do everything to stop Nord Stream 2 launch,” he said.
EU's position on Nord Stream 2
German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius said earlier that the German government supports the EU's intentions to impose sanctions on Russian Nord Stream gas pipelines that cross the Baltic Sea.
The EU intends to increase pressure on Moscow. According to Ursula von der Leyen, it will continue until Vladimir Putin is ready for peace in negotiations with Ukraine.
She also said that the new package of sanctions against Russia would include sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.
