© SPUTNIK
Vladimir Putin in a file image. Photo: Alexey Nikolsky/Sputnik/Kremlin via Archyde.com.
The Kremlin said Tuesday that it remains “open” to diplomatic channels and that if Ukraine breaks relations “it will aggravate the situation”, the day following the recognition of the independence of two pro-Russian separatist regions.
“It would be an extremely unfortunate decision that would only make things worse”assured the Kremlin spokesman.
This, following the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, admitted that he is considering breaking diplomatic relations with Russia in response to Moscow’s recognition of the two separatist regions in the east, Donetsk and Lugansk, and called his charge d’affaires for consultations in the Russian capital.
“I have received a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard and I am studying the possibility of breaking off relations,” Zelensky acknowledged, accusing Russia of continuing its “military aggression once morest Ukraine” with this recognition.
In addition, Zelensky demanded that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline linking Russia with Germany be included in the sanctions once morest Moscow.
“These sanctions must include the complete cessation of Nord Stream 2,” he added.
Shortly following, Germany announced that it was suspending its authorization for this controversial pipeline.
“It sounds technical, but an administrative step is necessary and then there can be no certification of the gas pipeline, and without Nord Stream 2 certification it cannot start operating,” said Sholz, who stated that there might be “other sanctions” once morest Russia, although he also urged diplomatic efforts to “avoid a catastrophe”.
The gas pipeline is finished, but has not come into operation pending this green light from Germany.
