Ottawa is imposing sanctions on 33 entities linked to the Russian defense sector, after placing hundreds of individuals and companies on its blacklist since the end of February.
• Read also: [EN DIRECT] 47th day of war in Ukraine: here are all the latest developments
• Read also: Italy seizes €100m villa linked to Russian pilot Mazepin
“These entities have provided direct or indirect support to the Russian military and are therefore complicit in the pain and suffering resulting from Vladimir Putin’s senseless war in Ukraine,” the federal government said in a statement on Monday.
The announcement comes as the Russian military prepares for a major offensive in eastern Ukraine, following weeks of relatively unsuccessful attempts to incurse into the heart of the country and into its capital, Kyiv.
The attack raises fears for the worst for civilians and could mean an extension of the invasion operation over an ever-expanding timescale, with no prospect of an end in sight.
All of this is taking place as sanctions from Western countries are slow to have the intended impact on the Russian state and its economy. The Russian currency, the rouble, even regained strength after a historic plunge.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly was in Europe last week for a series of meetings with the war in Ukraine as the backdrop.
Mme Joly had attended a summit of allies and NATO members to discuss the West’s response to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
In the past few days, the NATO Secretary General has said he is considering increasing the standing forces on Europe’s eastern front as a deterrent against Russia.
Minister Joly is visiting Indonesia and Vietnam this week as part of Canada’s “future” Indo-Pacific strategy.
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com