The US and Germany reach an agreement on 'Nord Stream 2'.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, following talks with US President Joe Biden last week, said the two leaders discussed Nord Stream 2 in the context of relations with Russia and Ukraine; Berlin and Washington have differing views on the project.

The "Nord Stream-2" route.

Merkel added that Ukraine needs to maintain its role as a transit country for Russian gas, and the gas pipeline under construction will not replace this transit role for Ukraine. "Everything looks promising. We hope the negotiations will be completed in the coming days," a source told Reuters.

Another source told the news agency that the parties are closer to an agreement that would avoid the US extending sanctions against Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator AG and its CEO Matthias Warnig.

Sources also noted that the United States and Germany intend to provide more funding to support energy infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as to ensure energy efficiency and security. It remains unclear whether the countries plan to mobilize private investment or announce state investments, the news agency concluded.

"Nord Stream 2" is said to be 95% complete.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is being constructed from Russia to Germany along the Baltic Sea seabed with the aim of supplying natural gas directly to Europe. Most EU countries support and participate in the project. The Baltic states, Poland, the United States, and Ukraine oppose it.