Canada hits 62 more Russians with sanctions

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canada used a virtual summit of world leaders Tuesday to slap new sanctions on dozens of Russians and a defense organization, as well as more financial assistance for beleaguered Ukraine.

"Canada is imposing new measures on 62 close associates of the Russian regime and a defense sector entity that is complicit in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine," said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Among the individuals sanctioned are high-ranking Russian government officials, including Russian federal governors and regional heads, their family members, and senior officials of currently sanctioned defense sector entities."

Trudeau also announced a CAN$3.85 million ($3 million) boost in financial assistance to support various Ukraine organizations, including the police force and state emergency services.

Trudeau said he is taking the fight to Russia by combatting Moscow's campaign to feed the world misinformation about the military operation against Ukraine, now in its sixth month.

"Canada will continue to counter Russian state-sponsored disinformation by creating a dedicated team to help increase Canada’s capacity to understand, monitor and detect Russian and other state-sponsored disinformation," Trudeau announced on his website.

Trudeau made the pledge with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is visiting Canada, standing by his side. The EU country is taking a lead role in pushback on Russian propaganda.

"Canada welcomes German leadership under the G7 RRM (Rapid Response Mechanism) of a working group focused on the threat of subnational foreign interference at community, municipal and regional levels," said Trudeau.

The prime minister said Canada and Germany are steadfast in their continued support of Ukraine.

"Both countries reaffirmed our shared commitment to supporting the full restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence," he said.

"We will continue to work together with our partners and allies to continue standing up for and defending peace, security, human rights, and the rule of law.”