Merkel: US sanctions on N Stream-2 may affect Russia–Ukraine gas talks

BERLIN, Dec 18 (PRIME) -- The U.S. sanctions against the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project may negatively affect gas talks between Russia and Ukraine, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a briefing on Wednesday.

“Negotiations with Ukraine on the gas deal after December 31, 2019, which is actually quite soon, are underway ... These negotiations are proceeding quite encouragingly, so it would be unfavorable if Ukraine did not receive the transit fees, because the talks would be complicated, because we, on the other hand, have this stand on the Nord Stream-2,” she said.

The U.S. Senate approved on Tuesday the defense budget including spending on counteraction to Russia in various areas including sanctions against Nord Stream-2.

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