Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticizes the Canadian government for its decision to return to Germany natural gas turbines trapped by sanctions imposed on Russia, calling the measure “absolutely unacceptable” and warning that Moscow will see it as a sign of weakness.
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced Saturday that the turbines will return to Germany after the Canadian government allowed what he called a “time-limited and revocable” exemption to its current sanctions on Russia. The move came as Canada imposed new sanctions on Russian agents and entities in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
But Zelensky was not happy with the decision.
“If a terrorist state can squeeze that exception into sanctions, what exceptions will it want tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? That question is very dangerous,” Zelensky said in his nightly speech Monday.
“In addition, it is dangerous not only for Ukraine, but also for all countries in the democratic world.”
Zelensky called on the Canadian government to reverse the decision.
“Of course, this decision on a turbine, which poses many other problems, can still be reviewed,” he said. “Russia has never respected the rules of the energy sector and will not play now unless it sees strength.”
In an interview with CBC’s Power & Politics, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Yulia Kovaliv, said Ukraine will continue to discuss the issue with the Canadian government in the coming weeks.
MIRAR | Canada sets a “dangerous precedent” with the release of turbines: Ukraine
Canada sets a “dangerous precedent” with the release of turbines: Ukraine
“This is a very dangerous precedent,” says Ukrainian Ambassador Yulia Kovaliv on the Canadian government’s decision to release Russian turbines back in Germany. “The Russians are just blackmailing Europe.”
“We greatly appreciate the support that the Canadian government offered to Ukraine in different areas, and we still hope that this decision will be revoked,” guest host Paul Hunter told guest.
Kovaliv said that the revenues from the pipeline will contribute to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
“Russia is using energy as a weapon, in Europe and around the world,” Kovalev said.
“This money and fuel will support the war in Ukraine … we must stay together, all together, to keep that unity in sanctions and not hesitate.”
The Minister of Natural Resources defends the decision
Wilkinson says the decision was necessary and that German livelihoods are in jeopardy.
Speaking ahead of a press conference in Regina on Monday, Wilkinson said Russia’s war against Ukraine and the resulting geopolitical tensions have shown how vulnerable Europe is on the energy front.
“The energy security implications for Europe in particular are potentially devastating,” Wilkinson said.
“This is not just a matter of inconveniences, not even a crisis in terms of accessibility and pocket. This is a fundamental threat to its ability to provide the basics to its citizens, from the heat. for their homes, even fuel to transport food and goods, and power to sustain their industries, their jobs and their economies. “
In a statement issued on Twitter on Saturday, Wilkinson said the decision to return the turbines came after consultations with the German government and other European allies.
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson answers a question at a press conference following the swearing in of the federal cabinet in Ottawa on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Wilkinson defends a controversial decision to send turbines to the pipeline North Stream One, which was being repaired in Canada, back in Europe, would allow Russia to boost its natural gas exports. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press)
“In the absence of natural gas supply, the German economy will suffer very significant difficulties and the Germans themselves will run the risk of not being able to heat their homes as winter approaches,” the statement said.
The turbines have been in Montreal for repair, but Siemens, the German company that made them, said last month that Canadian government sanctions on Russian energy company Gazprom prevented it from being returned to Europe.
The Nord Stream One gas pipeline supplies natural gas to Germany from Russia. The Russian government says the pipeline is running at only 40 percent of its capacity right now.
Wilkinson said Monday that Canada is working to find ways to supply Canadian liquid natural gas and other commodities such as hydrogen, potash and uranium to Europe.
He said Canada can balance the momentum of energy exports to Europe and meeting greenhouse gas emission targets.
“We can help our European friends in the short term and we can achieve our ambitious and vital climate goals,” he said.
Mixed movement reaction
The U.S. government thanked Canada for its decision to release the turbines in Germany.
“In the short term, the turbine will allow Germany and other European countries to replenish their gas reserves, increasing their energy security and resilience and countering Russia’s efforts to turn energy into weapons,” the department’s spokesman said Monday. U.S. Secretary of State Ned Price in a media statement.
The U.S. supports Canada’s decision to return a turbine to Germany to counter Russia’s efforts to turn energy into a weapon. We are grateful for the partnership with Canada and Germany to hold President Putin responsible for his unjustifiable war against Ukraine. https://t.co/qTkhb9uasX
– @ StateDeptSpox
But a Ukrainian-Canadian defense group expressed opposition.
Alexandra Chyczij, president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress, said returning the turbines was a “decision to give in to Russian blackmail.”
“This decision will ensure that the coffers of the Russian state budget will continue to be filled with European money that will be used to fund Russia’s genocide against the Ukrainian people,” Chyczij said in a statement to the media on Sunday.
In another statement to the media, also issued on Sunday, Ukraine’s foreign and energy ministries expressed “deep disappointment” at Canada’s decision.
“This dangerous precedent violates international solidarity, goes against the rule of law and will only have one consequence: it will reinforce Moscow’s sense of impunity,” the statement said.
MIRAR | Canada returns a key turbine to Germany for the Russian gas pipeline:
Ottawa’s plan to return Russian pipeline turbines to Germany provokes mixed reactions
Ottawa has caused outrage and relief at having decided to return six turbines used for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline connecting Germany and Russia.
The Conservative Party also criticized the measure, calling on the government to replace Russian energy in Europe with Canadian resources.
“Instead of circumventing the package of global sanctions aimed at punishing Putin, the Liberal government should approve new pipelines and liquid natural gas terminals so that Canadian natural gas can displace Russian energy supply to Europe,” he said. Conservative MPs Michael Chong, James Bexan and Pierre Paul. Hus said Sunday in a statement.