Canada imposes new Russia sanctions targeting drones, LNG and shadow fleet

What Canada announced

Global Affairs Canada said Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced additional sanctions against Russia under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.

The measures list 13 individuals and 11 entities, including several described as involved in the development and deployment of Russia’s drone program.

Sectors and activities targeted

Global Affairs Canada said the new measures are intended to increase economic costs on Russia by targeting energy revenues and financial enablers, and by degrading Russia’s conventional and hybrid military capabilities.

For the first time, Canada also sanctioned entities that supply cyber infrastructure used in Russian hybrid strategies against Ukraine, according to the release.

The sanctions also include several Russian liquified natural gas entities, and list 100 vessels described as part of Russia’s shadow fleet.

Official statement

“Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its people, who are forcefully defending their rights in the face of Putin’s corrosive and aggressive actions. Canada will continue to intensify pressure through sanctions in coordination with allies and partners until Russia puts an end to its unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” Anand said.

Context provided by Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada said the measures were announced in response to Ukraine’s priorities and in alignment with sanctions recently announced by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The department said that since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals and entities related to the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and human rights violations. It also said Canada has sanctioned over 400 vessels for involvement in transporting property and goods for the benefit of Russia or persons in Russia.