Canada announces new sanctions aimed at Russian defence sector

Canada announced new sanctions on Russia in response to the country’s “illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, says the new sanctions impose restrictions on 33 entities in the Russian defence sector.

She says these entities have provided indirect or direct support to the Russian military.

The measures put an asset freeze and prohibitions on entities including Integral SPB, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and Shipyard Vympel JSC.

“Canada has always and will always stand by Ukraine. Today’s measures are the latest example of our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people,” said Joly, in a statement. “We will continue to support the brave men and women fighting for their freedom, and we demand that those responsible for atrocities be held accountable.”

Since Russia launched an attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24, Canada has imposed sanctions on over 700 individuals and entities from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia.

The Canadian government says it is continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine, coordinating actions with international partners and exploring options for new measures to respond to the crisis.