**EU Takes Aim at Nord Stream 2 Pipeline as Russia Refuses Ceasefire**
The European Union is close to imposing sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a move aimed at reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian gas imports. The decision comes as Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, according to a report by Bloomberg on May 23.
**A Political Move?**
“This is a political move, aimed at cementing the EU’s plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027,” said Florence Schmit, an energy strategist in London. The decision to sanction the non-operational Nord Stream 2 pipeline will take into account progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
**Germany Supports New Sanctions**
Germany supports the newly proposed EU sanctions, which would target the Nord Stream pipelines. “Political clarity should also start to quell some volatility in gas markets that was related to the on-and-off discussions about Russian gas supplies,” Schmit told Bloomberg.
**Russia Refuses Ceasefire**
Russia has refused a ceasefire with Ukraine, and peace talks between the two nations in Istanbul on May 16 were largely inconclusive. Moscow has repeatedly signalled their unwillingness to move forward in peace negotiations.
**EU Commission to Discuss Sanctions**
The European Commission will begin discussions with member states as early as May 23, unnamed sources familiar with the matter said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is working with U.S. and European partners on new sanctions against Russia, aimed at achieving an unconditional truce from Moscow.
**Russia’s Position**
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Moscow has no interest in negotiations and agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying, “We don’t want this anymore.” At the Istanbul peace talks, Moscow reiterated maximalist demands, including that Ukraine accept the loss of Crimea and four eastern regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the peace talks in Turkey.
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