Russia bans entry for 103 Canadian citizens in response to sanctions

Russia has imposed a permanent entry ban on 103 Canadian citizens in response to sanctions introduced by Canada, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced.

The list primarily includes members of parliament. “Entry into the Russian Federation is permanently prohibited for 103 Canadian citizens whose activities, primarily within the Canadian Parliament, are aimed at discrediting the constitutional order and foreign policy course of our country,” the ministry said in a statement.

Russian diplomats noted that Moscow has traditionally maintained a respectful attitude toward the Canadian people, but said it does not accept what it described as Ottawa’s hostile policy line.

Russia's decision comes as a direct retaliation to Canada's ongoing sanctions regime targeting Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

In recent months, Canada has continued to tighten its sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. On June 12, 2026, it added seven individuals and 34 entities—focusing on senior leadership in Russia's defence-industrial base, energy, nuclear services, and financial enablers including cryptocurrency—along with 121 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet.

Earlier, Canada also sanctioned additional individuals and entities involved in human rights violations related to Ukrainian children (May 8) and expanded measures against the shadow fleet while lowering the oil price cap (February and March).

By Jeyhun Aghazada