Minister Joly announces additional sanctions targeting Russian disinformation and propaganda agents

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

July 8, 2022 - Bali, Indonesia - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced additional sanctions in relation to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, while attending the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine, a friend and ally, as it fights for freedom. Canada will not stand by as President Vladimir Putin wages his illegal and unjust war and seeks to justify it through disinformation, manipulation and propaganda.

To counter the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign, Canada is imposing sanctions against 29 state-sponsored disinformation and propaganda agents and 15 entities controlled or owned by the Russian government and involved in disinformation efforts. This includes Sumbatovich Gasparyan, the Head of the International Department at Russia Today (RT) state media holding, with considerable influence in Russia. These sanctions include those announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit in Elmau, Germany. Also, effective immediately, Canada has banned the import of certain gold imports from Russia.

Canada has also launched a webpage dedicated to countering disinformation with facts. Canada will continue to use this platform to shed light on how the Russian regime is using lies to justify its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

Quotes

“The Russian propaganda machine must answer for its lies. Canada is committed to fighting disinformation wherever and whenever it is found. Today, we make it clear to those who peddle deception: you will be held accountable. Canada stands with Ukraine.”

- 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 1,600 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.

  • Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,150 individuals and entities from and in 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
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