Canada imposes additional sanctions on Russian oligarchs in response to Putin’s continued aggression on Ukraine

News release

May 20, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing egregious and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

These new measures impose restrictions on 14 individuals including Russian oligarchs, their family members, and close associates of the Putin regime. These individuals have directly enabled Vladimir Putin’s senseless war in Ukraine and bear responsibility for the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine.   

In addition, today’s announcement includes a ban on the export of targeted luxury goods to Russia, as well as a ban on the import of targeted luxury goods from Russia. As of today, the Government of Canada is banning the export of targeted luxury goods to Russia, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco, some textile products and sportswear, footwear, luxury clothing and accessories, jewelry, kitchenware, and art. Canada is also banning the importation of targeted luxury goods from Russia, including alcoholic beverages, seafood, fish and non-industrial diamonds. Together, these categories represented $75.7 million worth of goods in 2021.

These bans will ensure that Canada is aligned with similar measures imposed by like-minded partners, including the United States and the European Union, and will help to mitigate the potential for Russian oligarchs to circumvent restrictions in other luxury goods markets. The Government of Canada is also implementing a ban on the export of goods that could be used in the production and manufacture of weapons by Russia.

Together, these measures will help maintain further pressure on the Russian regime to cease its unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. Canada will not relent in holding those responsible for the war in Ukraine to account, and it will continue to work with its partners in the international community to support Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Quotes

“The Putin regime must, and will, answer for their unjustifiable acts. Canada, together with our allies, will be relentless in our efforts to maintain pressure on the Russian regime, until it is no longer able to wage war. We are unwavering in our support for Ukraine and its people.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,450 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners. Canada’s latest sanctions impose asset freezes and prohibitions on listed individuals and entities.

  • Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,000 individuals and entities from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

  • In March 2022, Canada referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in concert with other ICC member states, in light of the numerous allegations of serious international crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including war crimes and crimes against humanity

Associated links

Contacts

Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada

Page details

Date modified: