Canada imposing sanctions on key Russian political figures amid war in Ukraine

Canada has stepped up its pressure on Russia by sanctioning key political figures linked to the Kremlin, intensifying efforts to hold Moscow accountable for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand has announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on 77 individuals and 39 organisations under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of Canada’s government.

In addition, Canada is expanding trade restrictions by banning nearly 1,000 new products from being exported to Russia, adding 201 vessels to its sanctions list, and introducing stricter prohibitions on listed ships to further limit the operations of Russia’s shadow fleet.

This announcement represents one of Canada’s most significant sanction packages since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, marking the largest set of trade and vessel-related sanctions to date. The timing follows the recent G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where world leaders focused on increasing support for Ukraine and intensifying pressure on Russia. The updated export controls target goods linked to the manufacture of chemical and biological weapons, as well as advanced industrial and dual-use technologies.

On the import side, Canada is restricting coal, metals, and other commodities that generate revenue for Russia through exports. Ship-related sanctions have been strengthened to ban any services connected to previously listed vessels, and the new additions bring the total number of sanctioned Russia-linked ships to over 300. These vessels are involved in transporting oil, liquefied natural gas, arms, and other materials supporting Russia’s interests. 

Beyond trade and maritime measures, Canada is sanctioning three financial entities that facilitate Kremlin funding for weapons and war-related supplies, tightening restrictions on Surgutneftegas—a major Russian oil and gas company—and adding 15 more individuals and organisations linked to Russia’s shadow fleet operations. The sanctions also target three individuals and 14 entities connected to Russia’s quantum technology sector, a field with potential dual-use military applications that could strengthen Russia’s military capabilities. 

Additionally, 29 individuals and six organisations that have profited from the war—such as prominent Russian industrialists, senior officials, and those involved in confiscating foreign company assets—are being sanctioned for their complicity and support of Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine. Included in the sanctions list are 45 individuals identified by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, comprising government and private actors who contribute directly or indirectly to Russia’s military-industrial complex and disinformation campaigns fueling its illegal war against Ukraine.

By Naila Huseynova