Zelensky said Canada’s decision was about more than a wrong decision to hand over the turbines, but that it was an “absolutely unacceptable exception to the sanctions regime against Russia.” “If a terrorist state can extract such an exemption from sanctions, what exemptions will it want tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? This question is very dangerous,” Zelensky said in a video and accompanying statement on Monday, which was also cited by Ukraine’s foreign ministry “he had to call Canada’s representative to our country.” “The decision to exempt from sanctions will be perceived in Moscow exclusively as a manifestation of weakness. This is their logic. And now, there is no doubt that Russia will try not just to limit as much as possible, but to completely close down supply of natural gas to Europe at its most critical moment,” he continued. The turbines, part of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, had been sent to Siemens Canada in Montreal for repairs, but once the federal government imposed sanctions on Russian state energy company Gazprom, the company was limited to sending the equipment back. Canada has faced pressure from both Russia and Germany to return the turbines, fearing the risk of further energy instability. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson’s weekend announcement of the permit was met with support from the United States. However, the move was strongly condemned by Ukraine, the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, and the federal opposition parties. Opponents warned it could set a dangerous precedent, further strengthening Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to use European countries’ energy dependence as leverage. “Of course, this decision on a turbine, which leads to many other problems, can still be revised. Russia has never played by the rules in the energy sector and will not play now unless it sees power,” Zelensky said, continuing to address Russia’s latest attacks and offer condolences to the family and friends of the latest Ukrainians killed as a result. The Ukrainian president then returned to the pipeline controversy, saying: “In such a background, it’s just a shame to see people not having the courage to honestly face a turbine.” Wilkinson stood by the decision to return the pipeline components, saying when the announcement was made that allied countries “cannot allow” Putin’s efforts to use European energy security to sow division between allies to be successful. “Canada stands with Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked, brutal invasion and we will continue to work in coordination with allies and partners to impose serious costs on the Russian regime,” Wilkinson said.
