Even if completed it’s unlikely to start operating – Volodymyr Zelenskyy about “Nord Stream-2”

Photo president.gov.ua

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline can be completed, but that doesn’t mean it will start working. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared it in an interview to foreign mass media, UA reports.

The head of state stressed that Ukraine uses time to protect its interests and economic security before launching the gas pipeline. According to him, even after the construction of this pipeline is completed, it is unlikely to start working.

“This is a long way, even if 1% of the work remains until the completion of Nord Stream-2. One thing is to build a gas pipeline and another – is to start it, it takes time. It is necessary to comply with international laws and international energy standards. Guarantees are also taken into account. We use time to protect our own interests” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The head of state reminded that if the gas pipeline starts operating, Ukraine will suffer yearly losses of about USD 2 billion due to the cessation of gas transit.

“Nord Stream 2 is weapon. Moscow may create a shortage of supplies in the gas market and thus raise the price. In today’s world, it is not necessary to buy machine guns to harm the country. It is enough to use economic instruments” – Volodymyr Zelensky said.

To remind, the German government has appointed a commissioner to ensure gas transit through Ukraine.