Russian and German flags in BerlinBERLIN, Feb 5German Economy Minister, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, commenting on possible Western sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and statements about the possibility of disconnecting Russia from SWIFT, told the Funke media group that it makes no sense to openly list individual measures, «any sanctions» are possible. «No «It makes no sense to openly discuss individual sanctions. We are currently in a dangerous situation and the goal should be de-escalation. However, it is right that the US and the European Union together say that Russia will pay a high economic price if it invades Ukraine,» Khabek answered the question whether sanctions against Nord Stream 2 could follow and whether Russia could be disconnected from SWIFT.Germany responded to Ukraine's «verbal attack» over arms supplies. He added that in the event of «aggression», one can «imagine any sanctions that could force Russia to retreat.» Speaking about Russian gas supplies to Germany, the minister said that before the launch Nord Stream 2, its operator must meet the conditions for approval. He believes that from a geopolitical point of view, the pipeline increases dependence on gas from Russia, and also focuses on one «vulnerable» supply route, Nord Stream 2, reinforces the need to diversify gas supplies. The past few weeks and the conflict in eastern Ukraine have heightened our concern that Russia is also using gas supplies against German interests,” the politician said. «Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not worry anyone. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations by the West and Ukraine of «aggressive actions» , stating that he does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to place more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously noted that Western statements about «Russian aggression» and the opportunity to help Kiev defend itself against it is both ridiculous and dangerous. 63b3.jpg» />The head of the European Commission called the condition for the launch of Nord Stream 2 «Nord Stream 2» — a new export gas pipeline with a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year from Russia to Europe. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is being certified by the German regulator. This process is on hold pending the required documentation. When this regulator issues a draft decision, the opinion of the European Commission will be required. The EC intends to consult with Ukraine in the process of forming its opinion. The United States actively opposes the project, promoting its liquefied natural gas in the EU, as well as Ukraine, which is afraid of losing transit. In the Russian Federation, they have repeatedly called to stop mentioning Nord Stream 2 in the context of any politicization, since this is a commercial project, it is beneficial to both Russia and the European Union. Earlier, the German newspaper Handelsblatt, citing government sources, reported that the United States and the European Union do not are considering disconnecting Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank settlement system as an option for possible sanctions, but are studying the possibility of introducing targeted sanctions against Russian banks. The US administration, however, still does not rule out this possibility, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
