Canada’s decision last week to return repaired parts of a Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany was difficult but necessary, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Saturday.
Liberals face strong criticism from Ukraine for exempting from sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine six Siemens Energy turbines, which were repaired in Montreal and help supply gas to parts of Germany.
Speaking to reporters at a teleconference after a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Bali, Indonesia, Freeland said he understood Ukraine’s response, but defended the government’s move as correct in the circumstances.
“This was a very difficult decision for Canada and I understand the concern Ukraine has about it, but it was the right one,” Freeland said.
“Canada is united and determined in our support for the people of Ukraine, we have contributed $ 3.4 billion in total financial and military support and I am proud that Canada has led the way in many ways to support and oppose Ukraine. nos. [Russian President] Vladimir Putin “.
But Canada alone cannot provide Ukraine with the support it needs, Freeland said, adding a joint effort by Canada’s G7 members and the transatlantic alliance is needed to secure that support.
Freeland said Germany was clear that the pipeline, operated by Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom, could be a problem for its leaders. Russia cut gas deliveries by 60% last month from its Nord Stream 1 pipeline to northeastern Germany, citing turbine-related technical problems.
“Canada felt very clearly from our German allies that Germany’s ability to maintain its support for Ukraine could be at risk,” Freeland said. The United States has publicly supported Canada’s decision to return the turbines, a position Freeland described as very significant.
MIRAR | Prime Minister Trudeau defends the decision to return the key turbine:
Trudeau defends the decision to return natural gas turbines to Germany
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the decision to return the turbines does not affect Canada’s support for Ukraine.
The parliamentary committee will study the issue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the other hand, condemned the decision as “absolutely unacceptable” earlier this week.
“The decision on the exception to the sanctions will be perceived in Moscow exclusively as a manifestation of weakness. That is its logic,” he said, adding that Russia will now try to limit or close gas supplies to Europe at the time. more critical.
In Ottawa, opposition MPs on Friday demanded that Liberal senior ministers explain the controversial decision during a special meeting of the foreign affairs committee next week.
The Liberals agreed for Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to ask questions.
The Conservatives had asked Freeland to appear, alleging that he did not agree with the decision that the Liberals were trying to protect his testimony before his comments on Saturday.
The committee will also invite the Ukrainian Ukrainian Congress and the ambassadors of Ukraine, Germany and the European Union to Canada to testify.