Ukraine crisis - News analysis
This is only the beginning of a serious confrontation with Russia
West hedges on sanctions as it waits to see if Putin plans bolder moves on Ukraine
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Jonathan Eyal Global Affairs Correspondent In London, Jonathan Eyal
Germany has decided to block the operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia in retaliation against President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise the "independence" of two self-proclaimed rebel enclaves in Ukraine.
Condemning Mr Putin's move as a "unilateral, incomprehensible and unjust action", German Chancellor Olaf Scholz claimed that the action violated the "fundamental principles" that have underpinned the global order.
