Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Putin to visit Tehran; U.S. says Iran plans to send Russia drones
In his nightly address, Zelensky said the move would be perceived by Moscow as “weakness” and would incentivize the Kremlin to try to further undermine sanctions. “It’s just a shame to see people lacking the courage to honestly deal with one turbine,” he said, noting that the Foreign Ministry had summoned the Canadian ambassador to Ukraine.
The Canadian-built turbine, which was sent to Montreal for regular maintenance, helps pump gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline that runs from Russia to Germany. In June, Russia’s state-backed energy company, Gazprom, cited the turbine’s absence in cutting gas flows to Europe. Ukraine has said there is no technical basis for the turbine’s return, because the pipeline can function without it.
But fears about worsening inflation and adequate energy supplies in Europe for the coming winter have put pressure on Canada to return the turbine, despite criticism from Ukraine that doing so chips away at the global sanctions regime against Russia.
“Of course, this decision on one turbine, which leads to many other problems, can still be revised,” Zelensky said. “Russia has never played by the rules in the energy sector and it will not play now unless it sees strength.”
The United States and Germany have said they support Canada’s decision.
