Canada Announces Sanctions Against Russia
Ottawa, Feb 23: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced new sanctions against Russia after President Vladimir Putin recognized two Ukrainian regions as independent states and moved Russian forces into eastern Ukraine. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Trudeau called Russia’s actions on Monday a “violation of Russia’s obligations under international law and the charter of the United Nations.”
“Canada also denounces Russian military actions, including orders to move into Ukraine, which is a clear incursion of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Make no mistake this is a further invasion of a sovereign state and it is completely unacceptable,” Trudeau said. As part of Canada’s sanctions against Russia, Trudeau announced that all Canadians would be banned from taking part in “financial dealings with the so-called independent states of Luhansk and Donetsk.”
Canadians will also be banned from purchasing Russian sovereign debt. Canada will also be targeting members of Russia’s parliament who voted to recognize Luhansk and Donetsk as well as two state-backed Russian banks. He said, “The sanctions and the additional military support we are announcing today is the first step Canada will take to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression. “There will be serious consequences for Russia’s actions, and together with our allies and partners, we will continue to take decisive action to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine.” The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will be sending additional military contributions to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the face of rising tensions in the region. Canada will provide “up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO”.
“The deployment 460 additional personnel under Operation REASSURANCE – Canada’s mission to support NATO deterrence measures in Europe,” Anita Anand, Canada Minister of National Defence said in a tweet. Anand said that Canada has delivered a second lethal military aid to Ukraine on Tuesday. “Today, our Canadian Forces made a second delivery of lethal military aid to support our Ukrainian partners. Russia’s further invasion of a sovereign state is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to stand by Ukraine as the country defends its sovereignty and independence,” Anand said in a tweet in the morning. Earlier on Tuesday, the US, UK announced sanctions against Russia.
