Canada introducing new anti-Russia sanctions

Canadian authorities expanded economic sanctions against Russia, including 10 key employees of Gazprom and Rosneft in sanctions lists, according to a statement by Global Affairs Canada.

"The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today (March 2) announced new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. These new measures impose restrictions on 10 key individuals from 2 important companies in Russia’s energy sector, Rosneft and Gazprom. These measures are intended to put further pressure on Russia’s leadership to cease its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement said. The document does not list these individuals.

Canadian authorities also expanded sanctions lists against Russia that had been announced on February 24 and 26, according to the website of the Canadian government.

Among others, they now include Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, St. Petersburg Mayor Alexander Beglov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and Head of the Federal Customs Service Vladimir Bulavin.

On February 24 and 26, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the country was introducing a third package of economic sanctions against the background of the situation in Ukraine. That list included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko and General Chief-of-Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Canada already introduced three packages of economic sanctions against Russia on February 22, 24 and 26.