The move comes as part of the Biden administration’s measures to punish Russia for President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
Biden had earlier pledged to “put an end” to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was built to supply Europe with Russian gas via Germany, if Russia invaded Ukraine.
“If Russia invades Ukraine, which means tanks or troops cross the border of Ukraine again, then there will be no Nord Stream 2 pipeline,” Biden said at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on February 8.
“I promise we will put an end to it,” the US president added.
The US President stressed that Germany is a “totally reliable” ally in the Ukraine file, and that the United States has “full confidence” in Berlin.
It is noteworthy that the company “Nord Stream 2 AG” is a registered Swiss company, and its parent company is the Russian gas giant “Gazprom”.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline aims to double the gas exports of Russian energy giant Gazprom, which flow from Russia directly to Germany, bypassing the traditional route through Ukraine.