In advance of Zelenskiy’s Berlin visit, Germany’s government said Friday that Germany wants Ukraine to retain its role as a transit country for Russian gas to Ukraine.

Once Nord Stream 2 is commissioned, as early as this fall, Russia will not need Ukraine’s pipeline system. German Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters Friday: “For us, the issue of maintaining Ukraine’s status as a gas transit country even after the launch of Nord Stream 2 is of central importance.” Merkel has said she will step down after Bundestag elections on Sept. 26.