March 15, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
In coordination with the European Union and the United States, Canada is today announcing new sanctions in response to Russia's aggressive actions in the Black Sea and Kerch Strait and Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is announcing these sanctions on 114 individuals and 15 entities, under the Special Economic Measures Act.
These sanctions are in response to Russia's military actions against three Ukrainian vessels and the capture of Ukrainian sailors in the Black Sea in November 2018. Today's measures, coordinated with the European Union and the United States, underscore continued transatlantic unity in responding to Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and its violation of international law.
Canada is also sanctioning a number of individuals and entities responsible for the illegal invasion and ongoing occupation of Crimea and the destabilization of eastern Ukraine.
"Canada and its allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia's provocations in the Kerch Strait and its illegal invasion and ongoing occupation of Crimea will not go unchecked.
"Alongside our international partners, we call on Russia to immediately release the 24 detained Ukrainian servicemen and return the seized vessels. Russia must allow free and unhindered passage through the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.
"Today's sanctions demonstrate that Canada and the international community are ready to impose costs on Russia when it ignores international law and the rules-based international order."
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has sanctioned 300 individuals and entities, many in coordination with our allies. Today's sanctions bring this total to 429. Canada's sanctions impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions.
