Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step up international pressure on the Kremlin after Canada bypassed its own sanctions against Russia to help European allies. In early July, the federal government announced it would release Russian-owned gas turbines that had been blocked at a Montreal repair facility because of Canada’s sanctions against Moscow. The turbine return agreement also allows the equipment to be imported, repaired and re-exported for up to two years. The move angered Kyiv and the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. At a demonstration on Parliament Hill on Sunday, supporters of Ukraine said that by deciding to release the turbines, the Trudeau government is now helping to fund Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Shortly before the rally in the capital, the Prime Minister and Mr. Zelensky spoke for the first time after Canada sidestepped some of the sanctions intended to pressure Mr. Putin to end his war. Canada’s July 9 decision to grant Russia a reprieve came amid a growing barrage of attacks that appeared to target civilians, including on universities in Mykolaiv and community buildings in Vinnytsia. In a brief statement posted on Twitter after his Sunday call with Mr Trudeau, Mr Zelensky said the West must do more – not less – to help Ukraine. “The international position on sanctions must be a principle,” he said, “After the terrorist attacks in Vinnytsia, Mykolayiv, Chasiv Yar, etc., the pressure must be increased, not decreased.” Exclusive: Ottawa deal to repair Russian-owned turbines covers longer period than previously revealed Opinion: How a panicked mood in Germany forced Canada to give Putin its turbines His statement did not directly mention Canada’s release of Russian turbines used in natural gas pipelines. Last week, the Ukrainian president called Ottawa’s decision “absolutely unacceptable,” but Mr. Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the move, which was requested by Germany. Since Russia launched its war against Ukraine in February, the European Union has spent the following months reconciling its opposition to the war with its need for Russian fuel. The resulting uncertainty has plunged the continent into an energy crisis, with Germany preparing to ration gas over the winter months. Russia last month cited the delayed return of turbine equipment, which Germany’s Siemens Energy serviced in Canada, as the reason behind its decision to reduce the flow of natural gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The pipeline, which stretches from Russia to Germany, was operating at 40 percent capacity. Kyiv has warned that the move would encourage Moscow to continue using its ability to choke off Europe’s fuel supplies as a weapon. Last week, the Ukrainian government summoned a senior Canadian diplomat to hear Kiev’s objections to Ottawa’s decision, which also sparked parliamentary hearings. After Sunday’s call, Mr. Trudeau’s office released a statement that did not mention sanctions and did not refer to the release of the turbines. The two discussed “the importance of maintaining strong unity among allies and continuing to impose severe costs on Russia for its illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” Mr Trudeau’s office said. Ukraine expresses ‘deep disappointment’ as Canada sends six Russian turbines back to Germany Speaking to reporters on a conference call after G20 finance ministers met in Bali, Indonesia, on Saturday, Ms Freeland said Germany’s ability to maintain its support for Ukraine could be jeopardized if the turbines are not returned. He said a united G7 effort would be needed to support Ukraine and that allowing repaired parts to return to Germany was “the right thing to do”. The United States also said it supports Canada’s decision. The Ukrainian World Congress has applied to the Federal Court for a judicial review in the hope of stopping the turbines from reaching Germany. The group argues that Ottawa bowed to Russian blackmail and set a dangerous precedent that will lead to a weakening of the sanctions regime imposed on Russia. The Ukrainian President previously praised Canada for its support. In May, she said she couldn’t ask Mr. Trudeau for anything more. On Sunday, he again thanked the Prime Minister for sending defense support. But while Mr. Zelensky publicly struck a diplomatic tone, Ukrainian Canadians on Parliament Hill on Sunday were angry as they accused Canada of bowing to Russian pressure and reneging on its promises. The Ottawa chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress planned the Parliament Hill protest to urge the government to withdraw the resignation. About 100 people gathered outside the House of Commons, holding signs accusing the government of “entertaining” and turning its back on Ukraine. Many people at the demonstration still have family back in Ukraine and said Canada’s move showed it applies sanctions when it’s convenient and there’s less economic cost. “It’s devastating that they didn’t act like they talk,” said Anastasia Cote, a 19-year-old student at Carleton University. Her parents are still in Ukraine and her father is fighting in the army. She said her family is doing “well, by Ukrainian standards. … All my family members and friends are alive.” With reporting by Robert Fife, Steven Chase and The Canadian Press For subscribers: Get exclusive political news and analysis by subscribing to Political information.
