“We are ready to comply with European rules during its (Nord Stream 2) certification, but for our part we hope for a rational approach and the absence of artificial linkages,” the diplomat said.

At the end of January, the German Federal Network Agency (BNA) announced that it was expecting documents from Nord Stream 2 AG to continue certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock said that the EU sanctions, which he is preparing against Russia in the event of "aggression" against Ukraine, may include the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.