US warns Putin invading Ukraine will kill Russian gas supplies to Germany

President Biden was emphatic in asserting that any further Russian intrusion into Ukraine will trigger unprecedented sanctions

By Chidanand Rajghatta, Washington

Published: Tue 8 Feb 2022, 3:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 8 Feb 2022, 10:16 AM

If Russian tanks or troops cross the border into Ukraine again, the United States will shut down the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that is poised to supply Russian gas to Germany, American President Joe Biden warned on Monday, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz standing by his side.

The two leaders met at the White House for talks aimed at closing ranks against any prospective Russian action in Ukraine, but there was still some daylight between them, with Scholz pledging to work with the US without once mentioning the pipeline.

"We will be united, we will act together, and we will take all the necessary steps. And all the necessary steps will be done by all of us together," Scholz said.

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Pressed to specifically confirm this would include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline built by Russia's Gazprom to step up the supply of gas to Germany, Scholz said, "We (Germany and US are acting together, we are absolutely united, and we will not be taking different steps. We will do the same steps, and they will be very, very hard to Russia, and they should understand."

However, President Biden was emphatic in asserting that any further Russian intrusion into Ukraine will trigger unprecedented sanctions and void the gas pipeline all set to go on stream now.

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"If Russia invades — that means tanks or troops crossing the — the border of Ukraine again — then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it," Biden said. Asked how exactly would he do that, since the project and control of the project are within Germany's control, Biden said, "I promise you, we'll be able to do it."

Scholz did not contest the assertion, sovereignty matters notwithstanding.

The US President also pushed back at suggestions that Germany is not a reliable ally, asserting, "Germany is completely reliable — completely, totally, thoroughly reliable. I have no doubt about Germany at all."

The US is holding talks with gas-producing countries around the world to try and secure backup supplies for Europe in case Russia shuts off its pipeline, which could also be devastating for all sides. If that happens, Washington will tap into Gulf states to keep Germany's home fires burning.