White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the White House welcomes Germany's decision to freeze the commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

"[Joe Biden] made clear that if Russia invaded Ukraine, we would act with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 does not move forward," Psaki tweeted. "We have been in close consultations with Germany overnight and welcome their announcement."

She added: "We will be following up with our own measures today."