OTTAWA, Canada – Mélanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing egregious and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has now lasted over 100 days. In that time, Vladimir Putin and his regime have caused untold pain and suffering in Ukraine and across the world. We will continue to relentlessly pursue accountability for Vladimir Putin’s senseless war. Canada will do everything in its power to prevent Putin’s ability to fuel and finance his war machine,” said minister Joly.
Quick facts
- Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,500 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.
- Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,070 individuals and entities from and in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
- In March 2022, Canada referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in concert with other ICC member states, in light of the numerous allegations of serious international crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
These new measures impose a ban on the export of 28 services vital for the operation of the oil, gas and chemical industries, including technical, management, accounting and advertising services. The banning of the exportation of oil, gas and chemical services targets an industry that accounts for about 50 percent of Russia’s federal budget revenues.
The measures announced today apply further pressure on president Putin to immediately withdraw his forces from Ukrainian soil. Canada is unwavering in the belief that Ukrainians deserve to live in peace, and it implores Russian leadership to stop its senseless war.
These measures will reduce Russia’s ability to wage war and will send a clear message to the Russian regime: Canada will not back down in holding those responsible for the devastation in Ukraine to account. Canada will continue to work with its like-minded partners in the international community to coordinate further measures.
