**Germany Vows to Block Nord Stream 2 Restart**
In a statement made on May 28, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that his government will take all necessary steps to prevent the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from being put back into operation. This comes as Russia continues to intensify its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Speaking alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, Merz emphasized the need for further pressure on Russia. The European Union has promised to increase economic sanctions against Moscow, which has refused to call a ceasefire. While no concrete steps have been taken yet, Zelensky hinted that the upcoming 18th package of EU sanctions could have significant implications for the Russian economy.
The potential sanctions include a complete ban on restarting Nord Stream pipelines and new banking restrictions. The goal of these measures is clear: to weaken Russia’s war machine. As Merz pointed out, this is essential in bringing an end to the brutal conflict in Ukraine.
**Understanding the Context**
For those unfamiliar with the issue, it’s essential to understand that Nord Stream 1 and 2 are gas pipelines running between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea. While Nord Stream 1 has been operational, Nord Stream 2 has never been activated due to sabotage in 2022. Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that discussions were underway with the United States to resume gas flows through the pipelines.
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