Ukraine’s Energy and Foreign Ministries announced on Sunday (July 10) that this is the case “deeply disappointed” Canada’s decision to return a gas turbine needed for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany.

Earlier this month, Russian state-owned Gazprom reduced the capacity of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to just 40% of usual levels, citing the delay in returning a turbine serviced by German company Siemens Energy to Canada.

A decision contrary to the sanctions against Russia

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline transports 55 billion cubic meters (billion cubic meters) of gas annually under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. Ukraine had urged Canada not to return the repaired part, saying it would undermine sanctions against Russia.

Siemens said Canada’s decision to allow a turbine to be shipped from its repair shop in Canada to Germany is a necessary first step in getting it back into the Russian pipeline. The company also clarified that it aims to deliver it as soon as possible.

“The decision on the delivery policy is a necessary and important first step for the delivery of the turbine. Our experts are currently working intensively on all other formal approvals and logistics.”Siemens Energy said in a statement.

“Among other things, this involves the legally prescribed export and import control procedures. Our goal is to get the turbine to its place of use as quickly as possible.”She adds.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz was relieved that Canada had paved the way for the delivery of the turbine. “We welcome the decision of our Canadian friends and allies”he explained.

The turbine’s return to Russia after passing through Canada highlighted the unintended consequences of Western sanctions against Russia.

According to the compromise, the turbine would first be sent to Germany so that Canada would not violate sanctions. Germany will then deliver the turbine to Russia.

This was announced by the Ukrainian energy and foreign ministries on Sunday “deeply disappointed” by Canada’s decision to return the repaired system to Germany.

The statement, published on the Department of Energy’s website, calls on the Canadian government to reverse its decision and says adjusting sanctions would amount to a flex “according to the whims of Russia”.