Duma MP: US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are not aimed at saving Ukraine

Installation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Photo: Ria Novosti

Earlier, Dmitry Kuleba, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Atlantic Affairs, said that Kiev was considering stopping the construction of the gas pipeline, with the help of US sanctions included in the defense budget.

Russian State Duma deputy Dmitry Belik noted that Washington is only aiming at creating economic incentives in the hope of capturing the European gas market. Kiev hopes that Washington's sanctions will delay the implementation of the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. However, such restrictions are not aimed at saving Ukraine.

"And the short-lived joy for Kiev officials once again became a typical example of the true intentions of Ukraine's "American partners" - MP Dmitry Belik commented.

Mr. Belik emphasized that Kiev should be cautious with such statements, because more than anyone else, this gas pipeline project attracts the attention of "all of Europe".

"Does Europe really need a country that does not particularly care about the interests of the "big European family"?!" - the State Duma deputy added.

The Nord Stream 2 project involves the construction of two gas pipelines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year, running from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2019. The pipeline passes through the territorial waters or exclusive economic zones of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.