The United States and Germany warned Russia on Thursday that a major gas pipeline would be at risk if it invaded Ukraine, and despite a lukewarm statement from Moscow, Washington said it wanted a diplomatic route out of the woods.

A day after the United States and its allies formally responded to Russia’s security demands, senior officials in Moscow said their main concerns had not been addressed, but in particular did not rule out new talks.

The United States has warned Russia of swift and severe consequences if it invades Ukraine after Moscow amassed tens of thousands of troops on its border with its Western-leaning neighbor.

After speaking about divisions within Europe, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock told parliament that her government was “developing a strong package of sanctions” with allies including Nord Stream 2.

Despite criticism from the United States and Eastern European countries, Germany has stubbornly built the pipeline, which will more than double Russia’s gas supply to Europe’s largest economy.

In Washington, a senior official expressed confidence that the invasion would prevent Germany from launching the multibillion-dollar project, which was completed in September but still requires testing and regulatory approval.

“If Russia somehow invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward,” said Victoria Nuland, the undersecretary of state for political affairs.

“I think even today the statement from Berlin is very, very powerful,” she told reporters.

New German Chancellor Olaf Schultz will visit on February 7 and discuss the crisis with President Joe Biden, the White House announced.

Stepping up its diplomatic offensive, the United States held a public meeting at the U.N. Security Council on Monday to discuss Russia’s “threatened behavior”, hoping to provoke condemnation even if Moscow could veto any resolution.

Biden also had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday and said the U.S. was considering economic support after $650 million in military aid over the past year.

The White House statement said Biden “reiterated that the United States and its allies and partners stand ready to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.”

But Biden, recognizing the immediate danger, warned again that Ukraine could indeed face a Russian invasion next month.

Emily Horn, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, told AFP: “President Biden said there was a high probability that the Russians would invade Ukraine in February.”

NATO has placed 8,500 soldiers on standby in the Ukraine crisis, reminiscent of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.

“There is only one decider”

Russia denies any planned invasion but last month demanded broad security assurances from the West, including never allowing Ukraine to join the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times