Germany Halts , Nord Stream 2 Gas Project, Amid Ukraine Crisis.<br />The $11 billion energy project, intended to double the amount of Russian gas that flows to Germany, was frozen on Feb. 22.<br />The move comes after <br />Russian President Vladimir Putin <br />signed a decree recognizing <br />two breakaway regions in <br />eastern Ukraine as independent.<br />The move comes after <br />Russian President Vladimir Putin <br />signed a decree recognizing <br />two breakaway regions in <br />eastern Ukraine as independent.<br />He then ordered troops into those areas.<br />After Nord Stream 2 was halted, Ukrainian Foreign Minister <br />Dmytro Kuleba expressed his approval.<br />This is a morally, politically and practically correct step in the current circumstances. True leadership means tough decisions in difficult times. Germany's move proves just that, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, via Twitter.<br />Marcel Dirsus, a non-resident fellow at Kiel University's Institute for Security Policy, said, , "This is a huge change for German foreign policy with massive implications for energy security and Berlin's broader position towards Moscow.".<br />It suggests that Germany is actually serious about imposing tough costs on Russia, Marcel Dirsus, a non-resident fellow at Kiel University's Institute for Security Policy, via statement.<br />German Economy Minister Robert Habeck <br />said the nation's gas supply was secure without utilizing Nord Stream 2.<br />However, Habeck expects gas prices <br />to increase in the short term.
