US says opposes immediate sanctions against Nord Steam 2

WASHINGTON, Feb 9 (PRIME) -- The U.S. White House opposes immediate sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline because it wants to keep a leverage in negotiations in Russia, spokeswoman for the presidential administration Jen Psaki said at a briefing late Tuesday.

"I’m not sure this is what you’re asking, but -- between us and some in Congress who suggest that sanctioning Nord Stream 2 now would be effective,” Psaki said.

“We don’t agree.  We believe that it is a point of leverage and that making clear it will not proceed if Russia invades is a point of leverage.  And that’s why we’re proceeding on the path we are.  We don’t think that approach would work."

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said that if Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 will not go forward.

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