Rob Portman, R-Ohio, warned that the removal of sanctions from the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a "serious misstep" as the Ukrainian president’s visit with President Biden was announced. Portman warned in a Thursday press release that Biden’s waiving of sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline "is a serious misstep that endangers U.S., European, and Ukrainian security." UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKY TO VISIT BIDEN IN AUGUST"This policy failure will ensure the completion of the pipeline, giving Russia a strategic advantage over our allies," Portman said. Zelensky’s visit was announced on Wednesday by the administration, and the Ukranian president will be visiting the White House on Aug. 30. Despite opposition from the last two administrations, Biden frustrated some U.S. lawmakers and European allies when he first lifted sanctions against Russia over the natural gas pipeline earlier this year.

Source: Fox News July 22, 2021 19:52 UTC