Canadian federal government leaders spoke this afternoon about the latest sanctions being placed on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
At a news conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “We will continue to demonstrate that those who violate the rules-based international order don’t get to benefit from the trade, the opportunities, the economic growth that comes with a stable, clear, international rules-based order.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeleand says Canada’s response will have ‘bite.’
Canada has imposed more sanctions against Russia including roughly 60 people and entities, some Russian ministers, including the defence, justice and finance ministers, as well as major banks and the Wagner Group and is putting a stop to export permits bound for Russia including aerospace, tech and mineral goods.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says the stop on exports affects about $700 million worth of goods. She says more economic sanctions will be coming and that Canada is working in coordination with international partners when it comes to announcing them.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Defence Minister Anita Anand says, “We cant allow Putin to redraw maps and re write history to suit his own purposes.”
She says 34 hundred military personnel are on standby to support NATO forces should they be required. She did make clear that Canada currently does not have a combat mission. Operation reassurance is a deterrent mission.
About 400 protesters were arrested for holding anti-war protests in a number of Russian cities.
Ukraine lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site after a battle with Russian forces.
Moscow claims to have hit 83 Ukranian military facilities with air strikes and missile strikes.
The Kyiv Post says the Antonov International Airport just outside the city has been taken over by Russian forces.
