In Kiev, Angela Merkel struggles to reassure Ukraine about Russian gas
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint press conference on August 22, 2021 in Kiev.
AP - Sergey Dolzhenko
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
On an official visit to Kiev this Sunday, August 22, the German Chancellor met President Volodymyr Zelensky, while Ukraine is preparing to celebrate Tuesday, August 24, the 30 years of its independence.
But the discussions mainly revolved around the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the completion of which could be imminent.
The Ukrainians were not angry: the Baltic gas pipeline is jeopardizing the country's future security.
In Kiev, guarantees and compensation were expected from Angela Merkel.
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With our correspondent in Ukraine,
Stéphane Siohan
Angela Merkel's speech in Kiev was eagerly awaited, especially since the Chancellor visited Moscow on Friday August 20.
In a press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky, Angela Merkel said that Germany will support further sanctions against Russia, in case the latter uses Nord Stream 2 as a weapon against Ukraine.
She also said she discussed with Vladimir Putin the possibility of continuing to transit gas through Ukraine, even after 2024.
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See also: Angela Merkel's visit to Ukraine: Kiev's high expectations against Berlin
No major commitments
The Chancellor said she fully understands Ukraine's concerns about its energy and military security.
But she hasn't made any major commitments.
Or rather, she sought to drown the responsibilities by asserting that Nord Stream 2 is not a German project, but European, with Dutch and French funding.
His prudence did not seem to satisfy Volodymyr Zelensky.
The president said he was still trying to figure out who was going to guarantee what to Ukraine, and that discussions would take place on this Monday with the Germans and the Americans, on the sidelines of a summit dedicated to the disoccupation of the Crimea.
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To read also: Nord Stream 2: compromise between Washington and Berlin around the gas pipeline
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Ukraine
Germany
Angela Merkel
Volodymyr Zelensky
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Angela Merkel's visit to Ukraine: Kiev's high expectations against Berlin
Nord Stream 2: compromise between Washington and Berlin around the gas pipeline