“This additional military aid will support the Ukrainians as they continue to bravely fight against Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion, while these new sanctions will put additional pressure on those who support these acts of war,” Trudeau said in a statement. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said the sanctions target those responsible for prosecuting Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was jailed and charged with spreading disinformation about the Russian military. WARNING: Secretary of State announces more aid for Ukraine
Canada Announces More Russian Sanctions, $500 Million in Aid to Ukraine
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada has added 23 people to the sanctions list and will provide $500 million to support the Ukrainian military. The 23 people added to the sanctions list are members of Russia’s justice and security apparatus who, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, are directly involved in “systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders.” More than 1,400 Russian individuals and entities have now been sanctioned by Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
Canada hails Ukraine’s ‘incredible progress’
The federal government said the $500 million in aid would be used for military equipment, surveillance equipment, communications, fuel and medical supplies.
National Defense Minister Anita Anand said the money is part of more than $1 billion in military aid Canada has committed to Ukraine for military equipment as well as training for Ukrainian troops.
“The Ukrainian military has made incredible progress in regaining ground, and Canada’s military contribution has been integral to its counteroffensive to date,” it said in a statement.
“The new $500 million in military assistance announced today will ensure that we continue to respond to Ukraine’s military momentum with the military assistance it needs to fight and win.”
The prime minister’s office said that so far, Canada has committed $3.4 billion in aid to Ukraine since February.
