Canada imposes new sanctions targeting Russia’s military and cyber operations

OTTAWA — Canada announced a new round of sanctions against Russia on November 9, targeting dozens of individuals and organizations connected to Moscow’s military-industrial sector, cyber operations and financial networks supporting its war against Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand unveiled the measures on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, confirming that Canada has added 38 entities and 24 individuals to its sanctions list under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.

According to Global Affairs Canada, the measures specifically target elements of Russia’s defence industrial base, including organizations involved in developing ballistic missile technology and conducting cyber activities.

The sanctions also seek to disrupt financial channels that help sustain Russia’s war economy, including cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial facilitators.

The announcement reinforces Canada’s continuing support for Ukraine and its participation in coordinated international efforts to restrict Moscow’s access to military technology, financing and strategic resources.

Canada has imposed successive rounds of sanctions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, targeting Russian political officials, financial institutions, businesses and defence-related industries.

The latest measures come as Western governments continue seeking ways to increase economic pressure on Russia while maintaining military, financial and diplomatic assistance to Kyiv.

Ottawa maintains that sanctions remain an important instrument for reducing Russia’s capacity to sustain its military campaign and increasing the economic consequences of its actions in Ukraine.