Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada’s decision to send repaired parts of a Russian gas pipeline back to Germany was a difficult decision, but it was the right one.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call after the conclusion of the G20 talks in Bali, Indonesia, Ms Freeland said the decision to exempt the turbines from sanctions against Russia was difficult and she understood the reaction of Ukraine, but it was the right thing to do.
She said that Canada is united and determined in its support for Ukraine, but that it alone cannot provide the support it needs and that it takes unity among allies.
Minister Freeland said Germany has been clear that its ability to maintain support for Ukraine could be threatened by the pipeline operated by Russian state energy company Gazprom, which has cut gas deliveries by 60 % last month due to technical problems with the turbines.
The United States publicly supported Canada’s decision, which Ms. Freeland said was very important.
The Liberals are facing heavy criticism from Ukraine for exempting the six Siemens Energy turbines, which were serviced in Montreal, from sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The decision was made last week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the decision as “absolutely unacceptable” earlier this week.
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