Canada imposed more sanctions on individuals and organizations that “spread Russian disinformation”, a move that prompted Moscow to warn of a corresponding response.
“Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine is based on lies and deceit. Russia’s disinformation activities involve celebrities and media organizations, to repeat the facts. arguments from the Kremlin, justifying the war,” Canada’s foreign ministry said on February 3.
Canada’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions against 38 Russian individuals and 16 organizations, including state media group MIA Rossiya Segodnya and singer Nikolai Baskov, who participated in a concert in support of the military campaign. in Moscow.
Oleg Stepanov, Russia’s ambassador to Canada, warned that Moscow would respond to the sanctions in a proportionate way. “We will respond to any unfriendly actions from the Canadian authorities, which I feel is very regrettable,” Stepanov said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Canada’s new sanctions as “comparable to the Nazi attempt to destroy the ‘non-German spirit’, eradicating the voices of reason by burning books.” and ban periodic publication”.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly speaks in Gatineau, Quebec on October 26, 2022. Image: Reuters
Canada is one of the strong supporters of Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. According to Canada’s Department of Global Affairs, since Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has sanctioned more than 1,600 related individuals and organizations in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Sheet Canadian Press This week it was reported that as of June 7, 2022, Canada has frozen $123 million in assets and $289 million in transactions under sanctions related to Russia.
Canada also provides Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid, with Ottawa last week estimating the value to have surpassed $5 billion.
Like Tam (Theo Reuters, TASS)