Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized the Canadian decision to return a key turbine for the "Nord Stream 1" gas pipeline to Russia, in a move that appeared to undermine the strict Western sanctions against Moscow.

Zelensky said in a recorded message on Monday: "If a terrorist state can obtain such an exemption from sanctions, what exceptions will it want tomorrow or the day after? This is a very serious question."

He added: "Moreover, this is a serious matter not only for Ukraine but also for all democratic countries around the world."

Earlier on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that his government had summoned the Canadian ambassador to protest Ottawa’s decision to deliver a key turbine to Germany to operate the Russian gas pipeline "Nord Stream 1," despite sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Zelensky said in his daily evening address via Telegram: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was forced to summon the Canadian ambassador in our country because of an absolutely rejected exemption from the sanctions imposed on Russia.”

The Russian energy giant Gazprom reduced gas supplies to Germany via Nord Stream 1 in June, blaming the missing turbine that was transferred to Canada for repairs for the drop in export volumes.

A spokesperson for the German government said returning the turbine to Russia would not violate EU sanctions, which exclude gas supplies.

Zelensky added that the decision "will be seen in Moscow solely as a sign of weakness. That is their logic."

Zelensky continued that "the Russian leadership sees every concession in such circumstances as an incentive for stronger pressure."

He continued: "Of course, it is still possible to review this decision regarding one turbine, which leads to many other problems.. Russia has never played by the rules in the energy sector and will not play now unless it sees strength."