Canada to grant sanctions waiver to return Russian turbines needed for pipeline maintenance to Germany Nord Stream 1, the minister announced on Saturday.
The question of the return of the turbines is at the heart of a disagreement between Germany and Ukraine.
Europe is still heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies, but transferring any gas-related equipment would violate existing sanctions, a source from Ukraine’s Energy Ministry said.
The Canadian government justifies this decision by saying that it will help Europe secure a reliable and affordable energy supply while [ces pays] gradually free themselves from Russian fuel
.
Last month, Gazprom had reduced its exports to 40% of the capacity of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline due to delays that slow down[aient] component repair by Siemens Energy in Canada
.
The German company did not react to Saturday’s announcement, but the decision to return the turbines would already be made, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters.
New round of sanctions
Meanwhile, Ottawa is considering the next wave of sanctions that will target land and pipeline transportation, reads a statement from Global Affairs Canada.
« The oil, gas, chemicals and manufacturing sectors account for more than 50% of Russia’s federal budget revenue, which it uses to wage its illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine. »
In addition, these new measures will apply to the manufacture of metals, transport, computer, electronic and electrical equipment as well as machines, it is specified.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reiterated that Canada supports unshakeably the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine
. She took care to recall that 1,150 individuals and organizations linked to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have been the target of sanctions since the start of the war on February 24.
–
