As the shortcomings of the US and Western sanctions against Russia have gradually emerged, Europe has also suffered. It is worried about the lack of natural gas every day, especially as winter is getting closer, and it is urgent to solve the gas shortage crisis. At the beginning, the six turbines of Nord Stream 1 were sent to Canada for repairs. After they were repaired, they were supposed to be sent back to Russia. However, Canada refused to send the turbines back due to sanctions on Russia, resulting in the failure of Nord Stream 1. The transportation volume dropped again and again. We know that Nord Stream 1 is Russia’s main gas pipeline to Europe. However, at present, the gas supply volume of Nord Stream 1 is only 20% of the saturated state. The quantity is far from enough for their daily needs. With the current gas supply, it will be difficult for Germany to reach 90% storage capacity before winter comes, that is, before December. The repeated repairs to the machine have also made the question of whether Russia will directly shut down the pipeline become a concern for Europeans. In addition, the lack of natural gas has led to skyrocketing prices, making it difficult for many companies to maintain normal operations. In the end, these Capital flight.
It is no exaggeration to say that the entire Europe is living in dire straits. This situation has made Germany understand that face is nothing in the face of survival. They cannot wait any longer and must solve this problem as soon as possible. Not long ago, German Chancellor Scholz concluded his visit to Canada. After his "persuasion", Canada finally relented and agreed to return all turbines. At the same time, Canada stated that it agreed to return the turbines this time because it did not want to give Russia any reason to interrupt or reduce the supply of Nord Stream 1. It has to be said that Canada has suffered a serious loss of face in the international community this time. It originally wanted to use sanctions as an excuse to control Russia, but in the end it harmed Europe. Not only was its work in vain, but it was even targeted by the Western camp. Bearing grudges, now that Scholz has come in person, he naturally wants to give him this face.
It is not difficult to see that natural gas has long been Russia’s strongest trump card against the West. Even as time passes, this card becomes more powerful. Although the West has begun to compromise with Russia this time, the current situation is very different from before. At the beginning, Germany or Europe was struggling. On the one hand, continuing to impose sanctions on Russia would allow the gas shortage crisis to remain unresolved. On the other hand, stopping or relaxing sanctions would be a slap in the face. But now it is Russia that holds the initiative. As long as Russia does not want to accept it, Europe has nothing to do. Even if it accepts it, as long as Russia wants to stop gas supply, it can find other reasons.
Judging from the current situation, it would be more beneficial for Russia to accept these turbines and increase shipments to Europe, which would not only stabilize the domestic economy but also ease relations with Europe. If it refuses to accept it, Europe can taste the bitter consequences of sanctions against Russia, consider lifting sanctions against Russia, and force Germany to restart the suspended Nord Stream 2. All in all, Europe is reaping the consequences of the sanctions and is not worthy of sympathy. Whether to accept these turbines or not depends on what Putin chooses next.
