Canada has taken a significant step to tighten the financial noose around Russia by announcing further sanctions and a new military aid package for Ukraine. During a recent visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed the new measures, which are aimed at 42 individuals and 21 entities in Russia.
The 63 sanctions target a wide range of sectors and individuals, including those involved in separating Ukrainian children from their families, those engaged in Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns, and key players in the nuclear sector. Among the entities facing sanctions are the Russian newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda,” the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and the charitable foundation “Country for Children.”
Canada Sanctions List for Russia
In a decisive move, Canada has broadened its sanctions list to include 42 individuals and 21 entities from Russia. This expansion, announced on September 22, encompasses a variety of sectors, including notable educational and societal institutions, media outlets, and companies. The broadening of the sanctions list signifies Canada’s intensified response to perceived aggression or misconduct by Russia.
Education and Societal Institutions in Focus
Two of Russia’s most prominent educational institutions, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and the Higher School of Economics (HSE), have been added to the sanctions list. Known for their significant contributions to the realms of international relations and economics respectively, these institutions’ inclusion in the sanctions list marks a notable shift in Canada’s approach.
Non-commercial entities such as the Russian Geographical Society and the Valdai Discussion Club, both known for their contributions to intellectual discourse and research in Russia, are now also under sanctions. The Yunarmia, a youth military organization funded by the Ministry of Defence, is another addition to the list.
Media Outlets Under Sanctions
Two Russian media outlets, Vzglyad and Komsomolskaya Pravda, have been included in the sanctions. Vzglyad, a daily online newspaper, and Komsomolskaya Pravda, one of the country’s largest print newspapers, are instrumental in shaping public opinion in Russia. The sanctions also target the public organization Young Guard of United Russia.
Regional and Industrial Entities Under Scrutiny
Several regional and industrial entities have also been added to the sanctions list. These include the Department of Education and Science of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, a region in Western Siberia known for its significant oil reserves. The Kovrov Mechanical Plant, a major producer of mechanical equipment, and the VPO Tochmash, a defense industry enterprise, are also included.
Implications of Canada’s Broadened Sanctions
By including educational institutions, media outlets, and public organizations, Canada is sending a clear message that it is willing to target entities central to Russian society, and not just governmental or commercial operations. This move could potentially increase pressure on Russia to change its behavior. However, it could also risk escalating tensions between the two countries. As Canada continues to monitor and respond to Russia’s actions, the implications of these broadened sanctions will be closely watched.
Canada’s actions go beyond mere sanctions. Trudeau announced the formation of a special team within the G7 group that will focus on seizing Russian assets and transferring them to Ukraine. This move is particularly significant given that the frozen assets of the Russian central bank in G7 countries, the EU, and Australia are estimated to be around USD 300 billion.
The Canadian government is also putting its money where its mouth is by committing to a new military aid package for Ukraine worth CAD 650 million. This aid will be distributed over three years and includes the delivery of 50 armored vehicles, among them medical evacuation vehicles produced in Canada.
During the press conference, Zelensky was asked about the varying levels of support for Ukraine, including the suspension of arms supplies by Poland. The Ukrainian President emphasized the scale of Moscow’s spending on disinformation campaigns, stating bluntly, “you either support Ukraine or Russia.”
The new tranche of military assistance follows an earlier commitment by Canada of CAD 500 million in military aid. Of this amount, CAD 76 million will be allocated for 35 high-resolution cameras for drones and their servicing, support for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots, and large supplies of small-caliber ammunition. Additionally, CAD 33 million will be set aside for a partnership with the UK in supplying air force defense equipment, and CAD 30 million for a Leopard 2 tank maintenance center in Poland.
Canada’s latest actions send a strong message to Russia and its allies. By imposing further sanctions and committing to substantial military aid for Ukraine, Canada is taking a stand against Russian aggression and bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. As the conflict continues to escalate, these measures represent another significant blow to Putin’s Russia, hitting them where it hurts the most—the pocketbook.