Denmark’s decision to approve the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline strengthens Russia and weakens Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said at a joint briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv on 31 October.
“The construction of Nord Stream 2 is not just a matter of energy security, it is a geopolitical issue. Therefore, I will tell you frankly that it strengthens Russia and weakens Europe,” the president said, as quoted by Ukrinform.
At the same time, he stressed that the Ukrainian side understood that this could happen.
"For my part, I will say that both me and our government were ready for such a decision," he said.
On 30 October 2019, the Danish Energy Agency granted permission to lay the Nord Stream 2 project's pipeline through the waters of Denmark. This announcement stipulates the removal of the last major hurdle for the construction of the controversial pipeline that will connect Russia and Germany – bypassing Ukraine.