Senator Portman warns of removal of sanctions from Nord Stream 2 as “serious misstep” ahead of Ukrainian president’s visit
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Senator Rob Portman, R-Ohio, has warned that the removal of sanctions from the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a “serious misstep” as the visit of the Ukrainian president with President Biden has been announced.
Portman, co-chair of the Ukrainian Senate caucus, applauded Biden’s announcement that he will host Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky at the end of August, saying the move “shows our unwavering support for sovereignty, territorial integrity and membership. future of Ukraine “while supporting Zelensky’s project. fight against corruption.
Portman warned on a Thursday Press release that Biden’s lifting of sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline “is a serious misstep that endangers the security of the United States, Europe and Ukraine”.
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“This political failure will ensure the completion of the pipeline, giving Russia a strategic advantage over our allies,” Portman said. “The administration must demonstrate that it is committed to the security of Ukraine and our European partners and does not allow Russia to endanger its sovereignty.”
Portman met Zelensky in June during a trip by a Congressional delegation to discuss the impact of congressional sanctions on pipeline removal, military build-up and Russian aggression in the region, and the need for anti-corruption reforms in West-aligned institutions, such as NATO. and the EU.
Zelensky’s visit was announced by the administration on Wednesday, and the Ukrainian president will visit the White House on August 30.
“The visit will confirm the United States’ unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.
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The meeting comes as the United States seeks to solidify its alliance with Kiev while reaching a controversial deal with Germany on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Russia to Germany.
Despite opposition from the last two administrations, Biden frustrated some U.S. lawmakers and European allies when he first lifted sanctions on Russia over the pipeline earlier this year.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment on Portman’s comments.
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