German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announces that he has ordered the Ministry of Economy to suspend the certification process of the "Nord Stream II" pipeline.

Scholz's decision follows Russia's recent move to recognize two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

"This decision sounds technical, but it is a necessary administrative action, so that the certification of the pipeline does not happen.

"Without this certification, 'Nord Stream II' cannot enter into operation," Scholz told reporters in Berlin.

Recall that President Vladimir Putin had ordered Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu to "ensure peace" in the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

This recognition by Putin is a pretext for invading Ukraine, although so far no movement or withdrawal of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border has been seen.

There are already about 200,000 Russian troops along the border with Ukraine, who have been on standby for months, and according to US intelligence agencies, Putin could at any moment order the invasion of the country.

/ Telegraphy /