Zelensky-Biden Meeting Will Clarify the Situation with NS-2 - PA

The decision on the gas pipeline cannot be taken behind the backs of those who this project poses threat to, according to Zelensky. The decision on the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline cannot be made behind the backs of those to whom this project threatens. This was stated by the adviser to the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak, Ukrainskaia Pravda reports on Wednesday, July 21. "Nord Stream 2 is not about the economy and luxury life for individual lobbyists at all. It is an exclusively political or even a public and large-scale propaganda-lobbyist project that the Russian leadership wants to use as a weapon against Ukraine and other countries of our region. Efforts at all levels both in Europe and in America continue in order to prevent this project from being implemented in the form and with the consequences as it was conceived in the Russian Federation… The Nord Stream-2 decision cannot be taken behind the backs of all those to whom this project really threatens. The situation is not yet completed, and it can be fully clarified only during the visit of President Zelensky to Washington," Podolyak said. The official added that political, diplomatic, legal work and tough information work are underway in Europe and the United States. He noted that the US Congress has taken appropriate decisions and the corresponding positions have been repeatedly stated. Earlier, the media reported that the United States had asked Kyiv not to criticize the NS-2 agreement. American officials have refused to stop the project and are now trying to contain the damage done by making a deal with Germany, writes Politico. In turn, the State Department denies pressure on Kyiv with regard to the NS-2. The United States did not urge Ukraine to refrain from criticizing the agreement between the States and Germany on NS-2, the State Department said.