Russia-Ukraine: Germany stopping Nord Stream 2 pipeline approval

Germany is going to "reassess" the certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in response to Russia's actions toward Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday.

The 764-mile pipeline that would carry natural gas from Russia to Germany has not begun operating. Nord Stream 2 is owned and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of Russia state company Gazprom.

Earlier this month, President Biden promised to "bring an end" to Nord Stream 2 if Russia invaded Ukraine. Scholz, appearing with Biden on his first official visit to Washington, was far less explicit about stopping Nord Stream 2, but said that the U.S. and Germany would have the same approach on punishing Russia financially.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a tweet Tuesday that "we have been in close consultations with Germany overnight and welcome their announcement."

The U.S. will announce "our own measures today," Psaki added.