Canada imposes new sanctions against 30 Russian citizens

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced today that Canada is imposing new sanctions against 30 Russian nationals under the Special Economic Measures Regulations.

These sanctions are being imposed on individuals who ran as candidates in Kremlin-sponsored "elections" held from September 8 to 10, 2023 in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. They ran as candidates for various positions in the temporarily occupied parts of the Kherson region in southern Ukraine.

Joly reiterated that the Canadian government condemns Russia's illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine:

"Russia had absolutely no legitimate basis to hold elections in these territories. Today, we are sending a strong message to the Kremlin to remind them that Canada will never recognize these regions as Russian territory."

According to Canadian officials, these so-called elections are yet another violation of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the UN Charter. By running for these positions, those on the list sought to legitimize illegal and impose Russian legislation, media, education and currency to "Russify" Ukrainians who remain in the occupied territories.

Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions against more than 2,800 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova that have been involved in violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. On September 12, 2023, G7 foreign ministers (including Canada) issued a joint statement condemning Russia's holding of sham "elections" on sovereign Ukrainian territory in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Crimea.

Since January 2022, Canada has committed more than CA$ 9.7 billion in financial, military, humanitarian, development and immigration assistance to Ukraine. Canada will continue to work with its international partners to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's illegal and unjustified encroachments on its sovereignty.