Merkel allows new sanctions against Moscow if gas is used as a weapon

Berlin will advocate further sanctions against Moscow if the Russian authorities use the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a weapon. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this in Kiev at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“We take the concern of the Ukrainian side very seriously, and therefore during the talks in Moscow I spoke about this problem, and we very clearly said that we, within the European framework, are in favor of new sanctions if Russia tries to use this gas pipeline for the purpose ( geopolitical) weapons, ”said Merkel, transfers Interfax.

Merkel stressed the importance of Ukraine remaining a gas transit country beyond 2024.

At the same time, according to the Chancellor, Kiev is expected to allocate 1 billion euros in aid for the development of renewable energy.

This is the last visit of Angela Merkel as chancellor to Ukraine. It is already known that she will not take part in two important events for Kiev – the “Crimean Platform” on August 23 and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24. Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine Sergei Nikiforov noted that Merkel was invited to them.

Before her trip to Kiev, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Moscow, where held meeting with Vladimir Putin.