Germany hinted on Tuesday that it might halt a Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow invades Ukraine, and Western nations rallied behind Kiev over a Russian troop surge that has fueled fears of war.
As fears of conflict mounted, Britain said this week it had begun supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons, Canada's foreign minister visited Ukraine and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held talks in Moscow and Kiev in a bid to ease tensions.
Barbock warned that Moscow would suffer if it attacked its neighbour, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that Berlin's response could include stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that brings gas to Germany.
"It is clear that there will be a heavy price to pay and that everything must be discussed in the event of a military intervention in Ukraine," Scholz said.
He has previously said that Germany is open to sanctions in the event of a Russian attack, and that everything will be on the table. This will include Nord Stream 2, which has been built but not yet approved to open.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after meeting with Baerbock on Tuesday that the pipeline would increase European energy security when it was open, and that "attempts to politicize this project" would be counterproductive.
Russia denies plans to attack Ukraine but says it could take unspecified military action unless its demands - including a NATO pledge never to recognize Kiev - are met.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Russian troops remain near Ukraine's borders.
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