The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced today that Canada is imposing new sanctions on Russia.

Melanie Joly says these new measures impose restrictions on 33 entities in the Russian defence sector which the Canadian government says have provided indirect or direct support to the Russian military and are therefore complicit in the pain and suffering stemming from Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

The government says the measures are a reminder that Canada will be a leader in holding Vladimir Putin and his enablers accountable.

Joly says, ” Today’s measures are the latest example of our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. 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.”

Canada has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in concert with other ICC member states as a result of numerous allegations of the commission of serious international crimes in Ukraine by Russian forces, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.