Volodymyr Zelensky has released a fiery video address shaming Canada’s decision to undermine global sanctions against Russia. Exports and other economic ties with the Kremlin have largely been suspended by allies of Ukraine over the past few months after President Putin launched his invasion under the guise of a ‘special military operation’. Canada has bypassed international sanctions by confirming a repaired turbine from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline will be returned to Germany, submitting to threats from Moscow that gas supplies to Europe would be further constricted if the equipment was not received. President Zelensky has denounced the decision of Canada to cooperate with Russian demands, branding the move ‘very dangerous’ as the agreement dissolves the image of a united front against Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
In his speech following the confirmation of Canada’s plan, President Zelensky said: “Ukrainians, all our defenders, today was a difficult day.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to summon Canada’s representative to our country due to an absolutely unacceptable exception to the sanctions regime against Russia.
“It’s not just about some Nord Stream turbine that Canada shouldn’t have but still decided to hand over, hand over actually to Russia – this is about common rules.
“If a terrorist state can squeeze out such an exception to sanctions, what exceptions will it want tomorrow or the day after tomorrow?
“This question is very dangerous.”
President Zelensky suggested the cooperation of Canada would fuel the Kremlin to challenge additional sanctions imposed by officials across the globe.
The Ukrainian leader continued: “Moreover, it is dangerous not only for Ukraine, but also for all countries of the democratic world.
“The decisions on the exception to sanctions will be perceived in Moscow exclusively as a manifestation of weakness – this is their logic.
“Now, there can be no doubt that Russia will try not just to limit as much as possible but to completely shut down the supply of gas to Europe at the most acute moment.”
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