Germany threatens Russia with sanctions

Maas told the German newspaper Bildm Sonntag there were some “signals” that Moscow was behind the attack.

If Russia doesn't help clarify what happened in the coming days, we will be forced to discuss an answer with our allies”, Mr. Maas told the German daily, adding that any sanctions should have “concrete targets”. Germany is the current head of the European Union.

“We have great expectations from the Russian government to white out this serious crime”, Maas said.

If the government has nothing to do with the attack, then it is in its interest to support it with the facts”.

Maas did not even rule out sanctions against the pipeline under construction of Nord Stream 2, worth $11 billion, which will supply Russian gas to Europe.

“I hope the Russians don't force us to change our position for Nord Stream”, he said. Germany will not hesitate to act on any possible removal of the project after the assessment, Maas said, and discussions on sanctions should not be reduced “to a single point.

Earlier this week, the German government said Mr. Navajo was poisoned with military nervous agent Novichok.

Only a small number of people have access to Novichok and this poison was used by Russian secret services in the attack against former agent Sergei Scripal”, Maas told the Bild newspaper. / VOA