Scholz on Nord Stream: 'We all understand what's wrong'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that "we all understand what's wrong" when it comes to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is finished but has not yet been approved by Germany to go into operation.

"Peaceful development" in Europe was key, Scholz said, adding that if this is not the case, there would be "wide consequences."

Scholz has in the past refused to say, as allies including the United States have done, that the pipeline project should be halted in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Putin, for his part, asked rhetorically during the press conference with Scholz whether consumers in Germany would be prepared to pay more for their gas if the pipeline is not allowed to open. The pipeline project was carried out by an international consortium including German firms, he pointed out.