Ottawa announces new sanctions on Moscow but returns turbine to Germany for Russian pipeline

Canada's foreign affairs minister, MlanieJoly,announced new sanctions against Russian agents and organizations on Friday and Saturday, with a focus onRussian disinformation efforts and industrial manufacturing.

But the federal government also said on Saturday itwill grant "a time-limited and revocable permit" toSiemens Canada that allows for the return of a turbine to Germany. The turbine isused for Nord Stream 1, a set of natural gas pipelines connecting Germany and Russia.

Kyiv hadurged Ottawato keep the turbine, saying that shipping it back would violate sanctions on Russia. The Ukrainian government said on Sunday it was "deeply disappointed"withCanada's decision.

In Saturday's statement, the federal government said returning the turbine was integral for Germany's economy and its citizens, as the country is currently heavily dependent on Russian energy.

Russia has cut the flow of gas in the pipeline by 60 per cent, threatening to keep supply restricted if the turbine is not returned. Siemens said Sunday it was working to get the turbine back inoperation as quickly as possible.

WATCH | Canada returns key turbine to Germany for Russian pipeline:

Ottawa's plan to return Russian pipeline turbines to Germany draws mixed reactions

2 years ago

Duration 2:01

Ottawa has drawn both anger and relief for deciding to return six turbines used for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline that connects Germany and Russia.

In the new sanctions announced on Friday,Ottawa said it is imposing restrictionson 29 agents and 15 entities owned or controlled by the Russian government involved in spreading Russian propaganda with respect to the war in Ukraine, Global Affairs said in a news release.

Among those sanctioned isSumbatovich Gasparyan, the head of Russian-funded broadcaster RT'sinternational department.

Joly made the announcement while attending the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

"The Russian propaganda machine must answer for its lies. Canada is committed to fighting disinformation wherever and whenever it is found," Joly said in the statement.

"Today, we make it clear to those who peddle deception: You will be held accountable. Canada stands with Ukraine."

Canada has now sanctioned more than 1,600 Russianagents or entities in response to Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions prevent Canadians from engaging in any property dealing with those listed, makingany goods available to themor providingfinancial services to them, among other things.

The government also announced that the import of certain gold products from Russia is nowprohibited.

The productsincludeunwrought gold, semi-manufactured gold, gold powder, monetary gold and jewelry made of gold.

The release highlighted other efforts from the Canadian governmentto counterKremlin propaganda, including awebsite focused on countering false claims the Russians havemade with respect to the war in Ukraine.

"Canada will continue to use this platform to shed light on how the Russian regime is using lies to justify its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine," the news release said.

On Saturday, Global Affairs issued a statement saying Canada intends to expand existing sanctions on the oil and gas industries to include industrial manufacturing.

In a move meant to help "deplete President Vladimir Putin's war chest," sanctions will soon apply to "land and pipeline transport and the manufacturing of metals and of transport, computer, electronic and electrical equipment, as well as of machinery."