Zelensky: Canada’s Decision to Return the Nord Stream Turbine Is Dangerous for the Democratic World

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, called Canada's returning of the turbine for the Russian Nord Stream unacceptable and considers it a dangerous precedent.

"It's not just about some turbine for Nord Stream, which Canada shouldn't have, but still decided to return to Russia. It's about common rules. If a terrorist state can get such an exception to sanctions, what exceptions will it want tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? This issue is very dangerous and dangerous not only for Ukraine but also for all the democratic world," Zelensky stated in his evening appeal to the nation.

He emphasized that this decision will be perceived in Moscow exclusively as a manifestation of weakness.

"And now there can be no doubt that Russia will try not only to limit as much as possible but also to completely stop gas supplies to Europe at the most critical moment. This is what we need to prepare for. That is why they are provoking the world. Because every concession in such conditions stimulates the Russian leadership for further, stronger pressure," the president added.

Zelensky called for a review of the decision to transfer the turbine, "which entails many other problems." "Russia has never played by the rules in energy and will not play now if it does not see power," he concluded.

On Saturday, the Canadian government made an exception and sent back the gas turbine to Germany which was in Canada for repairs and was trapped by sanctions.

German officials urged Canada to find a way to return the turbine, fearing that Russia would use any excuse to shut down Nord Stream-1 and damage Germany's ability to fill its gas storage tanks before winter.

Ukraine called on Canada not to get blackmailed by the Kremlin and to cancel the decision on the turbine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs  summoned Canada’s Chargé D’Affaires over the Nord Stream turbine.