Between the United States and Germany to threaten a new diplomatic tensions. The occasion will be letters to the US Ambassador Richard Grenell to German companies, reported the Bild am Sonntag. In it, he threatened companies that are involved in the construction of the controversial Baltic sea gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, with US sanctions.

Nord Stream 2 and the Pipeline TurkStream the previous European Gas would make the Import from the Ukraine superfluous. In order for this security-political importance, losing Grenell giving rise to his criticism. The increase the risk of a Russian Intervention. In addition, the EU is doing in the energy security of Russia.

“as a result, undermine the companies that support the construction of both Pipelines, active in the security of Ukraine and Europe,” the newspaper quoted from the Letter. “We emphasize that companies involved in the Russian energy export sector, participate in something that could lead to a significant risk of Sanctions.”

at The Federal foreign office, the procedure encounter a lack of understanding, reported the Bild am Sonntag. Grenells approach is not in line with diplomatic practice.

The U.S. Embassy defended the Letter. “The letter is not to be construed as a threat, but as a clear message of U.S. policy”, quoted the newspaper a spokesman for Grenells.