Russia says it is ready to supply Europe and describes concerns about ongoing turmoil as a “human crisis” caused by Europe.
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Canada could return the repaired turbines needed for the Nordstream 1 gas pipeline to Germany to help ensure a continuous flow of energy until Europe can end its dependence on Russia’s gas. Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources said it was.
The Canadian government said in a statement on Saturday that it had issued a “time-limited and revocable permit” to exempt the return of turbines from Russian sanctions, a new response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Also announced the measures.
Russia cited the delay in returning turbines served by Germany’s Siemens Energy in Canada last month as the reason why the flow from the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to Europe has dropped to 40% of its capacity. ..
The Government of Canada said transporting turbines to Europe supports “Europe’s ability to access reliable and affordable energy as Russia continues its transition from oil and gas.”
It was not clear how long it would take for the turbine to be returned, and Siemens Energy did not immediately respond to the request for comment.
The Kremlin said on Friday that if the turbines were returned, it would increase gas supplies to Europe, but Ukraine said the return of equipment violated sanctions.
Canada said it would extend sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to include industrial production, in addition to a special permit for turbines.
Canada’s new sanctions “apply to land and pipeline transportation, metal manufacturing, transportation, computers, electronic and electrical equipment, and machinery manufacturing,” he said.
A German government spokesperson said Germany welcomed “decisions on Canadian friends and allies.”
But Ukraine was disappointed.
Alexandra Chichiji, National President of the Ukrainian Parliament of Canada, said in a statement on Saturday that Canada has set “a dangerous precedent that could weaken the sanctions imposed on Russia.”
“Our community is deeply disappointed by the Government of Canada’s decision to succumb to the blackmail of Russia,” he said.
“Canada is unwavering to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity … Canada will not forgive pressure on the Russian government,” Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement on Saturday.
