Armin Laschet Threatens Russia, Likely Successor to Merkel as Chancellor

Armin Laschet, the candidate for Chancellor from Germany's Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union conservative bloc, has threatened Russia with sanctions if the country uses the "Nord Stream 2" gas pipeline to exert pressure on Ukraine, according to korrespondent.net.

“If Russia behaves aggressively again regarding Ukraine, Germany will take measures at the national level and impose sanctions at the EU level,” the German politician said in an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita.

In his opinion, this would prevent Russia from using the pipeline as a geopolitical weapon.

“The German-American agreement gives us the tools to hold Russia accountable for its disruptive actions,” Laschet asserted.

He emphasized that loyalty to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security should be a priority of German foreign policy.

On July 21, the United States and Germany reached an agreement regarding "Nord Stream 2." It includes a commitment that Washington will refrain from imposing sanctions on the project’s participants; however, the possibility of EU sanctions against Moscow remains if Russia uses the pipeline as an energy pressure tool. The agreement also mentions the intention to maintain gas transit through Ukraine.

Germany promises to use all leverage to persuade Russia to extend the gas transit agreement through Ukraine, which is set to expire at the end of 2024.