Biden to end Nord Stream 2 sanctions in defense bill - report

EPA-EFE/SHAWN THEW

United States President Joe Biden is aiming to remove the country's sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline through a new defense bill, the Foreign Policy reported on Wednesday.

Sources familiar with the matter stated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his assistants have been making calls to senators to ensure their support for the withdrawal. They added that Biden's administration's decision is motivated by its intention to keep Germany as an ally, particularly should the tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate into another armed conflict.

Earlier this month, the US passed another set of sanctions on entities linked to Nord Stream 2 in a move condemned by Russia.

Baha Breaking the News (BBN) / JR