Iryna Nesterova00:14, 11.05.25

Von der Leyen discussed the idea of ​​blocking the gas pipeline with Merz.

Ukraine’s European allies have threatened new sanctions against Russia, including blocking the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Russia to Germany, if the Kremlin does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire,   The Wall Street Journal reports . 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the idea of ​​sanctions against Nord Stream 2 with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to Brussels on Friday, EU officials said. The move would require the support of all EU member states. The restrictions would be imposed if Russia abandons or violates the ceasefire agreement.

WSJ writes that the Kremlin has raised the issue of reviving Nord Stream in negotiations with the US administration, however, it is noted that European Union sanctions will block any such efforts.

The publication recalled that Nord Stream 2 is an infrastructure project, the construction of which was completed in 2021, but which, however, was not launched because Germany suspended its certification just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the administration of then US President Joe Biden imposed relevant sanctions.

It is noted that the election of Merz, who takes a tough stance on Russia, as German Chancellor has intensified Europe’s efforts to pressure Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding peace talks with Ukraine.

In addition, von der Leyen promised to double the number of ships on the sanctions list for transporting Russian oil, as the United Kingdom recently did.

The idea of ​​a 30-day truce in Ukraine

As UNIAN previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Kyiv on May 10, said that Ukraine and its allies demand  a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting May 12. According to him, the ceasefire should be unconditional, that is, without any conditions, and “an attempt to put forward any conditions is evidence of an intention to drag out the war and disrupt diplomacy.” Zelenskyy emphasized that the ceasefire should be comprehensive – in the air, at sea and on land.

Zelensky also said that if a ceasefire agreement is reached,  Ukraine is ready to begin direct peace talks  with Russia. According to Axios, Zelensky and European leaders told US President Donald Trump during a 15-minute phone call on May 10. According to sources, during the conversation, the allies emphasized that if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin refuses to cease fire, European countries will impose new sanctions against Russia.

(C)UNIAN 2025