The US Department of Defense budget bill for 2022 does not include funds for sanctions against Nord Stream 2. Joe Biden signed the bill which implies curbing Russia’s aggressive actions while waiving sanctions to doom the pipeline. The budget prolongs existing restrictions imposed on cooperations between the Pentagon and the Russian Ministry of Defense as well as “implement any activity that recognizes the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea.” An additional $4 billion supports the objectives of the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) against Russia’s activities. Ukraine will receive $300 million for military purposes and Baltic states will be granted $150 million for “building and investing in critical security areas.” The defense budget also includes $7 billion aimed at supporting programs related to the Indo-Pacific region. The US authorities intend to create a commission for examining the Afghanistan military campaign and pass amendments to the bill concerning prohibition to transfer of Pentagon’s funds and resources to local fighters. US Vice President Kamala Harris warned that economic sanctions against Russia would be “severe” in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. She said that Russia should not violate Ukraine's sovereignty, adding that the West is ready to defend the territorial integrity of this country.
