Russia invasion of Ukraine would face severe consequences -German finance minister

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner looks on as he presents the 2022 welfare stamps at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, January 31, 2022. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Tuesday that Germany was very clear Russia would face harsh consequences if it invades Ukraine, but he would not say whether the newly built Nord Stream 2 pipeline would be halted.

U.S. President Joe Biden warned on Monday that if Russia invades, "there will be no longer Nord Stream 2", referring to the as yet unopened gas pipeline to Germany. He did not specify how he would halt it, but stressed unity with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the West rallies to avert a war in Europe.