canada travel russia

Canada urges citizens to avoid all travel to Russia after new censorship law

Canada on Saturday strengthened its travel advisory for Russia and is now urging Canadians to avoid all travel to the country after Russia's new censorship law was enacted.

Canadians who are still in Russia are being asked to leave as soon as possible while commercial flights are still available. The Canadian government notes that availability of flights "is becoming extremely limited" as airlines around the world cease flights to the country and Russian airlines face sanctions from western governments.

"Several countries, including Canada, have restricted financial transactions and air connections with Russia. Russia has retaliated with similar measures. These sanctions and the Russian retaliation may have an important impact on the availability and the provision of essential service," the Canadian government said on its travel advisory website.

• WATCH: One million refugees in one week
• Latest updates from Ukraine
• How could the war in Ukraine end?

Canadians who decide to remain in Russia are being warned that they may be affected by shortages of essential goods and unable to withdraw money from banks. The federal government also says that Canadians in Russia could be stuck in the country for longer than expected and "should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country."

Previously, Canada warned against non-essential travel to Russia after its war with Ukraine first broke out. But on Friday, the Russian parliament voted to approve a new law that would criminalize people for spreading news reports of the war that Russia considers "fake."

Those who violate the new law could face up to 15 years in prison. As a result, many western media outlets have announced that they would be pulling their journalists out of the country and temporarily suspending their Russia bureaus.

Given the new law, Canada is asking citizens in Russia to abstain from talking about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sharing information about the war online or participating in protests and large gatherings.

Similarly, the U.S. on Saturday has also issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia, asking Americans currently in Russia to leave immediately.

Get in touch

Are you in Ukraine? Do you have family in Ukraine? Are you or your family affected? Email  [email protected] .

• Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
• Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner

An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.

What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?

The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.

Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report

A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.

Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.

Opinion | I just don't get Taylor Swift

It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.

Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario

Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.

Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison

Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.

'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons

Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.

Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus

A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.

Vancouver is one step closer to getting a Filipino cultural centre, society says

As the Lower Mainland's Filipino community gathered in South Vancouver for Lapu-Lapu Day on Saturday, one of the festival's organizers set its sights on creating a future focal point for such gatherings.

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.

Powerful penalty kill a big part of playoff success for Vancouver Canucks

The special teams unit has become a strength for the Canucks, particularly in the first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators which the Canucks lead 2-1 heading into Sunday's Game 4.

BOS LEADS TOR 3-1 | Marchand stars again, Swayman solid as Bruins push frustrated Leafs to the brink

Brad Marchand became the Bruins' all-time leading playoff goal-scorer and added an assist as Boston suffocated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in the teams' first-round playoff series.

Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony

One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.

Family arrives safely in Calgary after escaping the war in Gaza

It was a long-awaited reunion at the Calgary International Airport Saturday as Ossama Zaqqout hugged his parents, who had just arrived after fleeing the war in Gaza.

Beltline collision between SUV and motorbike sends driver ‘cartwheeling through the air’

A blue SUV and a motorbike collided Saturday afternoon in the Beltline.

2 suspects face charges in April 24 Gleichen homicide

One Siksika Nation resident has been charged and an arrest warrant for a second man has been issued in relation to an April 24 homicide in Gleichen.

Ottawa woman, 47, facing charges following downtown hate crimes

The Ottawa Police Service says a 47-year-old woman is facing charges following a series of hate crimes in the downtown area last week.

No injuries reported following single-vehicle collision on Highway 15 in eastern Ontario

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) asked drivers to expect delays after a single-vehicle collision on Highway 15 near Brewers Mills Road Saturday morning.

'Divest now': Students launch encampment at McGill University

Several students have launched an encampment at McGill University as they call on the institution to cut financial ties with Israel.

Transit trips up among seniors since Montreal introduced free fare program, city says

Montreal says public transit trips were up between 15 and 20 per cent among people age 65 and over in the six months after it made the service free for local seniors.

Driver arrested after woman, 51, dies in head-on collision in Lachute

Quebec provincial police say a 51-year-old woman has died after a head-on collision in the town of Lachute, roughly 50 kilometres west of Montreal, early this morning.

Oilers coach calls McDavid and Draisaitl’s playoff performances remarkable

Kris Knoblauch is five months into watching Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl go to work.

'It's been a godsend': Free store for Ukrainian newcomers to close Sunday

Two years and $8 million worth of beds, couches, dishes and dressers later, the Ukrainian Newcomer Free Furniture Warehouse is closing its doors.

Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality

A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.

Bidders express interest in buying all or part of SaltWire newspaper business

A Toronto-based restructuring firm says several bidders have offered to buy all or part of SaltWire Network and The Halifax Herald, the two insolvent companies that operate Atlantic Canada's largest newspaper enterprise.

Halifax Wanderers kick off season with home opener against Ottawa

Halifax’s professional soccer team kicks off its sixth season against Ottawa on Saturday with a sold-out crowd of 6,500 fans on the Wanderers Grounds.

New Brunswick strongest men and women compete in Saint John for title of strongest in the province

“This is the largest year we’ve had”: annual provincial strongman competition sees record levels of participation and support with 55 athletes taking part

A timeline of the Jeremy Skibicki case

The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to get underway on April 29.

Canadian history sizes down in small scale model competition

A Winnipeg scale model builder is using his craft to showcase a large piece of Canadian history in miniature form.

Ice pileup warnings for Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg this weekend

With heavy wind gusts expected along Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg this weekend, the provincial government is warning residents and property owners about potential ice pileups.

Regina's Dunlop Art Gallery welcomes new installation

'Feel through the Deepness to see,' an art installation by artist Rita McKeough, will be calling the Dunlop Art Gallery home for the next two months.

Annual model train showcase rolls into Regina

Regina's annual model train showcase rolled into town this weekend at the Caledonian Curling Club.

Commissionaires at RPL Central Branch named regional team of the year

The team of Commissionaires at The Regina Public Library’s downtown branch have received one of the organization’s top honours.

Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000

Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.

Pedestrian seriously hurt following hit-and-run crash in Cambridge, driver arrested

A driver has been arrested and a pedestrian has been seriously injured following a hit-and-run crash in Cambridge.

Cambridge Moves for Mental Health draws dozens in spite of weather

Rainy weather for the second year in a row once again did not deter attendees from a special fundraising event.

Saskatoon care home workers escalating strike action

Workers at group homes run by LutherCare Communities in Saskatoon are escalating their strike action.

Saskatoon Indigenous and Palestinian communities gather in collective prayer for Gaza

On Saturday, in a display of cross-cultural solidarity, members of the Indigenous and Palestinian communities gathered in Saskatoon for an event steeped in prayer and dance.

Saskatoon police investigating after body found at recycling facility

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating after a woman’s body was found at a recycling facility Friday morning.

Northern Ontario

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Sudbury, West Nipissing

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several communities in northeastern Ontario on Saturday afternoon – primarily the Greater Sudbury area and West Nipissing.

French River area preparing for more flooding with weekend rain expected

The Municipality of French River has been under a flood watch since Thursday evening and many residents told CTV News that they fear the already high water levels combined with the rain forecasted in the coming days may cause more widespread flooding.

Fatal crash victim identified as 24-year-old Western University graduate

A 24-year-old man who died Friday in a car crash on Highway 401 has been identified as Omar Barzak from London, Ont.

'Beneath all these colours we are all one': Thousands attend Hindu Holi Festival at Victoria Park

London’s Victoria Park was filled with colours Saturday afternoon as those attending Holi threw coloured water and powders into the air in a celebration of spring and unity.

'I felt disappointed': Local women’s advocates lament MP Karen Vecchio’s ouster as Status of Women Committee chair

At an event in which she was celebrated for her advocacy of women’s issues, Karen Vecchio was in no mood to speak about her removal from her role of chair of Federal Parliament’s Status of Women Committee.

Police investigating after senior drowns in Meaford

Police in Meaford are investigating after a senior drowned Saturday morning.

All things maple syrup celebrated at annual Elmvale festival

Despite the poor weather, a festival celebrating all things maple syrup drew thousands of people to Elmvale on Saturday.

VIDEO | From Windsor high school grad to New York Giant: Theo Johnson selected in NFL Draft

A former graduate of Holy Names Catholic High School in Windsor will soon be moving to New York after being selected during the 2024 NFL Draft.

'It’s just life changing': No need to sell home after Windsorite wins 100K

Playing bingo in April made a local resident $100,000 richer -- and will keep him in his home.

Alleged hate crimes reported at University of Windsor campus

Campus police are investigating after homophobic slurs were carved into the door of the University of Windsor’s Campus Pride Centre earlier this month.

Vancouver Island

Canucks defeat Predators in Game 3, take 2-1 series lead

J.T. Miller had a goal and assist and the Vancouver Canucks edged the Nashville Predators 2-1 to re-take the lead in their first-round playoff series.

Haida Elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'

The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.

B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.

Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Bandits get hat trick from Logan Sawyer en route to 8-2 win over Okotoks

The Brooks Bandits got down to business Friday, defeating the Okotoks Oilers 8-2.

'No real winner' following first Alberta NDP leadership debate: political scientist

An Alberta political scientist said the NDP leadership hopefuls remained fairly even following the first of the party’s debates.

Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard

It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.

Sault Ste. Marie

Elliot Lake hospital moving towards ‘normalcy’ with mask-friendly policy

St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake says it is moving towards “normalcy” by transitioning to a mask-friendly policy.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce delegates sew up quilt blocks for residential school survivors

About 100 delegates from around the province travelled to Timmins, Ont., for its annual general meeting and convention at Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa.

Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's

Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.

Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.

Local Spotlight

DonAir force takes over at Oilers playoff games

As if a 4-0 Edmonton Oilers lead in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings wasn't good enough, what was announced at Rogers Place during the next TV timeout nearly blew the roof off the downtown arena.

'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.

Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.

Fergus, Ont. man feels nickel-and-dimed for $0.05 property tax bill

A property tax bill is perplexing a small townhouse community in Fergus, Ont.

Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon

When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.

Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues

The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.

'I'm committed': Oilers fan skips haircuts for 10 years waiting for Stanley Cup win

A local Oilers fan is hoping to see his team cut through the postseason, so he can cut his hair.

'It's not my father's body!' Wrong man sent home after death on family vacation in Cuba

A family from Laval, Que. is looking for answers... and their father's body. He died on vacation in Cuba and authorities sent someone else's body back to Canada.

'Once is too many times': Education assistants facing rising violence in classrooms

A former educational assistant is calling attention to the rising violence in Alberta's classrooms.

What is capital gains tax? How is it going to affect the economy and the younger generations?

The federal government says its plan to increase taxes on capital gains is aimed at wealthy Canadians to achieve “tax fairness.”

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.

'The world is too messy for bureaucratic hurdles': Canada still bars Afghanistan aid

Ottawa has plans to finally stop blocking Canadian development aid to Afghanistan this year.

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse

More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.

Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign

State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.

These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.

Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a 'cosmic dumbbell'

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens to resemble a 'cosmic dumbbell.'

Entertainment

From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Taking place in May in Malmo, Sweden, the 68th annual competition will see acts from 37 countries vie for the continent’s pop crown in a feelgood extravaganza that strives — not always successfully – to banish international strife and division. And you don’t have to be in Europe to watch, or to help pick the winner.

Ottawa, Quebec commit $100M for semiconductor capacity in Bromont, Que., 280 jobs

The federal and Quebec governments are spending close to $100 million to boost the country's manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, which are vital in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.

Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: Jobs report

The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.

Dishing out history: A look back at defunct restaurants in Winnipeg

Take an illustrated look back at the culinary history of Winnipeg.

Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.

$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.

Mookie Betts leads Dodgers past Blue Jays 4-2; Toronto drops fifth consecutive game

Mookie Betts went 3 for 5, including a triple and an RBI single, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Saturday.

Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu selected by Detroit Lions, becomes 1st UBC player ever taken in NFL draft

Canadian football observers thought it could happen, and on Saturday, it did. Towering offensive lineman Giovanni Manu – who was born in Tonga and grew up in Pitt Meadows, B.C. – became the first player from the University of British Columbia ever to be selected in the NFL draft.

William Nylander returns to Maple Leafs lineup for Game 4 against Bruins

William Nylander has joined the Stanley Cup chase.

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.

Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.

Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

Editor's Picks

16 night creams that'll work magic on your skin while you sleep, 17 practical things for your backyard that you'll want to order immediately, 19 of the best mother's day gifts under $50, 17 backyard decor and furniture pieces you need before summer arrives, 15 cleaning products that'll have you working smarter not harder, our guide to the best fans in canada in 2024 (and where to get them), 22 of the best mother's day gifts to give in 2024, 17 unique mother's day gifts your mom definitely wants, but probably won’t buy herself, if your mom needs a bit of rest and relaxation, here are 20 of the best self-care gifts for mother's day, 20 affordable amazon beauty and skincare products you'll probably repurchase over and over again, if you suffer from dry skin, you'll want to add at least one of these hydrating moisturizers to your cart, 14 of the best tinted lip balms you can get online right now, stay connected.

Canada issues travel advisory for Russia amidst apparent military coup

Latest Videos

It's been more than 16 months since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and now an apparent military coup is destabilizing the region further.

On Saturday, June 24, the Canadian Government updated its travel advice for Russia amidst military tensions in the Rostov region and the threat of further unrest across the country.

The official advice from the Canadian government is to avoid all travel to Russia.

"Further security restrictions, including limitations on movement have been put in place in some regions, including in Moscow," reads the travel advisory.

"Flight availability, already reduced following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, continues to be subject to unpredictable and significant limitations," the advisory continues. "If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available."

Our travel advice for #Russia has been updated due to reports of military tensions in the #Rostov region. There is a risk of further unrest across the country. More info: https://t.co/CjOtsj3oeV pic.twitter.com/WMbDGqULzL — Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) June 24, 2023

Canadians who are in the Rostov region are advised to shelter in place, avoid public gatherings, monitor media for information on the situation, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

What's happening in Russia?

Putin has accused a mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin of treason and starting an armed rebellion as his private army, the Wagner Group, advances toward Moscow. The government is in a state of emergency and maintains a significant military presence in Rostov Oblast.

Canadians in the region are urged to "exercise extreme vigilance…as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your safety," says the Canadian government.

The G7 foreign ministers held a call this morning to discuss the overnight developments in Russia. We continue to closely monitor the situation. If you are a Canadian national in Russia, please observe our travel advisory and safety instructions. — Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) June 24, 2023

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly shared that G7 foreign ministers had a call to discuss the developments in Russia.

I have been briefed on the events unfolding in Russia. The Incident Response Group will meet today to discuss the latest developments. We’re in contact with our allies and will continue to monitor the situation closely. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 24, 2023

Canada is closely monitoring the situation, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and discussions are ongoing.

Alexander Smagin

Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Romantic bridge is one of only two covered bridges in Ontario

Historic site in Ontario has a 'whispering' dam that's almost 200 years old

These are the furthest places you can travel to from Toronto by car

Canadians aren't happy with Air Canada for introducing another fee at check-in

TOOR Hotel opening in Toronto this summer

Shortest flight out of Toronto is so pointless that Google actually suggests a train

Woman alleges Air Canada completely 'chewed' her suitcase

Belfountain is a small town and conservation area in Ontario for an adventure outdoors

Language selection

• Français fr

Canada imposes additional sanctions to exert further pressure on Russian regime

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing egregious and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

May 31, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations  in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing egregious and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

These new measures also impose restrictions on 22 individuals and 4 entities. Among the individuals and entities listed are senior officials of Russian financial institutions and their family members, as well as key financial institutions and banks.

The measures announced today apply further pressure on the Russian leadership to end its senseless war, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, jeopardized the food security of millions and caused untold pain and suffering. Canada continues to call for a diplomatic solution.

These measures are the latest example of Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people. The measures also demonstrate that Canada is a leader in the broad international effort to hold the Russian leadership accountable and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Canada will continue to explore new ways to exert pressure on the Russian regime.

“For every action taken by President Putin to undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Canada will not hesitate to take appropriate countermeasures. Canada will relentlessly pursue accountability for the Russian regime’s unjustifiable acts. We stand with Ukraine and its people.” - Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,500 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners. Canada’s latest sanctions, like its previous ones, impose asset freezes and prohibitions on listed individuals and entities.

Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,050 individuals and entities from and in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

In March 2022, Canada referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in concert with other ICC member states, in light of the numerous allegations of serious international crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Associated links

• Sanctions: Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian sanctions related to Russia
• Canadian sanctions related to Ukraine
• Canadian sanctions related to Belarus
• Canada provides funding to International Criminal Court to strengthen accountability for conflict-related sexual violence

Adrien Blanchard Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs [email protected]

Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada

Page details

The dos and don'ts of visiting Russia for the first time

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance  and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting  Russia .

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here . 

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa. 

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app  and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental. 

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time. 

Food markets  that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of  vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes. 

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated. 

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow    How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway    Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published October 2019 and updated September 2021

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Aug 30, 2023 • 9 min read

The staggering expanse of Mongolia can make it difficult to decide where to go first. Start your bucket list with these 12 unmissable places to visit.

Aug 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Mar 30, 2022 • 4 min read

Feb 17, 2022 • 9 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 5, 2023, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the  unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for  harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the  arbitrary enforcement of local law ,  limited flights into and out of Russia , the  Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of  terrorism .  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately.  Exercise increased caution due to  the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them. 

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity. 

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. 

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Familiarize yourself with the information on  what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, russian federation map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

How to get to Russia in 2024 (INFOGRAPHIC)

For citizens of 65 countries, a visa is not even required to enter Russia. For the majority of these countries, the length of stay without a visa is up to 90 days; however, for some, it’s shorter, so be sure to check.

In 55 more countries – including countries in Europe and Asia, such as Germany, Denmark, Japan, China – you can apply for an electronic visa to enter Russia. In this case, the length of stay in the country is up to 16 days. We addressed all queries regarding how to do it in detail here and you can find the full list with all countries here .

2. Transport

As of January 2024, 36 countries have direct flights to Russia, among which are Israel, China, Turkey and many others. The majority of European countries, however, are not on this list; they prohibited their airlines from conducting passenger flights to the territory of the Russian Federation. The only European country from where you can board a direct flight to Russia is Serbia.

Three other most popular hubs, from which you can come to Russia on a direct flight:

• Istanbul, Turkey
• Yerevan, Armenia
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aside from that, you can reach Russia also on land transport – with a car, bus or train. However, in 2024, the checkpoint on the border with Finland is currently closed, which was a convenient route for the residents of the Scandinavian nations, while Finland itself is, as of right now, unavailable. 

Several other countries – Estonia, Latvia and Norway – are also contemplating the possibility of closing their borders with Russia, but, for now, this hasn’t happened and the passage is open (we advise you to follow developments closely, however). The route from Georgia to Russia via Vladikavkaz remains one of the most popular land routes, due to which there are still hour-long waiting lines at the border.

3. COVID restrictions, vaccinations & quarantine

In 2022, the government of Russia canceled all restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic; in 2023, it allowed foreign tourists to enter the country without a negative PCR test.

However, there are still occasional random COVID-19 checks at airports, so don’t be surprised if you are asked to get tested.

Dear readers,

Our website and social media accounts are under threat of being restricted or banned, due to the current circumstances. So, to keep up with our latest content, simply do the following:

• Subscribe to our Telegram channel
• Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter
• Enable push notifications on our website
• Install a VPN service on your computer and/or phone to have access to our website, even if it is blocked in your country

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Russia’s new e-visa: First outcomes
• Richard Burgunder from U.S.: 'I visited Moscow in winter 2024 and this is what happened'
• 10 reasons to visit Russia this spring

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Language selection

Canadian sanctions related to russia, types of sanctions.

Asset freeze

Export and import restrictions

Financial Prohibitions

Recent developments

• 2024-02-29 - Regulations were amended
• 2024-02-21 - Regulations were amended
• 2024-02-02 - Regulations were amended

Table of contents

Prohibitions.

• Permits and certificates

Recent Developments

Regulations, announcements, related links, legal advice.

Sanctions related to Russia were imposed under the  Special Economic Measures Act  in order to respond to the gravity of Russia’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and grave human rights violations that have been committed in Russia. On March 17, 2014, the  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations  (“the Regulations”) came into force.

The Regulations were amended on March 19, March 21, April 28, May 4, May 12, June 21, July 24, August 6, September 16, December 19, 2014, February 17 and June 29, 2015, March 18, 2016, March 4 and 15, 2019, March 21 and 29, 2021, February 24 and 28, March 4, 6, 10, 14, 23, and 24, 2022, April 5, 8, and 19, 2022, May 3, 6, 18, and 27, 2022, June 7 and 25, 2022, July 7, 14 and 29, 2022, August 19, 2022, September 29, 2022, October 14 and 28, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 7, 2022, February 2 and 23, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 5, 2023, May 18, 2023, July 19, 2023, August 4, 17 and 22, 2023, September 20, 2023, October 6, 2023, November 9, 2023, December 5 and 8, 2023, and February 2, 21 and 29, 2024.

The Regulations impose an asset freeze and dealings prohibition on designated persons listed in Schedule 1, which include both individuals and entities. It is prohibited for any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to:

• deal in any property, wherever situated, held by or on behalf of a designated person whose name is listed in Schedule 1
• enter into or facilitate, directly or indirectly, any transaction related to such a dealing
• provide any financial or other related services in respect of such a dealing
• make any goods, wherever situated, available to a designated person listed in Schedule 1
• provide any financial or related service to, or for the benefit of, a designated person listed in Schedule 1

Individuals listed under the Regulations are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act .

The Regulations also impose restrictions on certain sectors, such as the financial and energy sectors. With some exceptions, they prohibit any person in Canada and Canadians abroad from dealing in new debt of longer than 30 days maturity in relation to persons listed in Schedule 2, or 90 days maturity in relation to persons listed in Schedule 3. Additionally, the Regulations prohibit any person in Canada or Canadians abroad from dealing in new securities in relation to persons listed in Schedule 2.

The Regulations prohibit any ship that is registered in Russia or used, leased or chartered, in whole or in part, by or on behalf of or for the benefit of Russia, a person in Russia or a designated person from docking in Canada or passing through Canadian waters.

The Regulations also prohibit the export, sale, supply or shipping of goods listed in Schedule 4, to Russia or to any person in Russia for their use in offshore oil (depth greater than 500m), shale oil or Arctic oil exploration and production. This includes a ban on the provision of any financial, technical or other services related to the goods subject to this prohibition.

The Regulations also prohibit the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of specific petroleum products listed in Schedule 5, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada from providing any services listed in Schedule 10, in relation to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, unless the oil is purchased at or below the price outlined in the G7+ Coalition Oil Price Cap List .

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good, wherever situated, or to provide any technology, to Russia or to any person in Russia, if it is described in the Restricted Goods and Technologies List .

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any luxury good referred to in column 1 of Part 1 to Schedule 6, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of any luxury good referred to in column 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 6, wherever situated, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good that could be used for the manufacturing weapons referred to in column 1 of Schedule 7, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit individuals and entities in Canada from providing any and all insurance, reinsurance, and underwriting services for aircraft, and aviation and aerospace products either owned by, controlled by, registered to, chartered by, or operated by entities and individuals resident, incorporated, or domiciled in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit the provision of any services referred to in column 1 of Schedule 8, to the Russian oil, gas, chemical and manufacturing industries. 

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good or technology, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia if the good or technology is referred to in Schedule 5.1.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire from Russia or from any person in Russia if the good is referred to in column 1 of Schedule 9.

The Regulations also prohibit export of certain chemicals primed for use in electronic devices that could be used in weapons.

The Regulations also prohibit importing, purchasing, acquiring or shipping any and all Russian arms, ammunition and other weapons, including hunting knives and air rifles into Canada.

The Regulations also prohibit persons in Canada and Canadians abroad from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping arms and related material, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit providing to Russia or to any person in Russia any financial, technical or other services related to the sale, supply, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Schedule 11 from Russia or from any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12, wherever situated, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

The Regulations also prohibit any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 12, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

Causing, assisting or promoting prohibited activities is likewise prohibited.

The Regulations provide a review mechanism to remove names from the schedule upon receipt of an application from a designated person.

Exceptions to the asset freeze and dealings prohibition on designated persons listed in Schedule 1 are available for the following:

• payments made by or on behalf of designated persons pursuant to contracts entered into prior to the coming into force of the Regulations, provided that the payments are not made to or for the benefit of a designated person
• pension payments to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada
• transactions in respect of accounts at financial institutions held by diplomatic missions, provided that the transaction is required in order for the mission to fulfill its diplomatic functions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, or transactions required in order to maintain the mission premises if the diplomatic mission has been temporarily or permanently recalled
• transactions by international organizations with diplomatic status, agencies of the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, or Canadian non-governmental organizations that have entered into a grant or contribution agreement with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
• transactions necessary for a Canadian to transfer to a non-designated person any accounts, funds or investments of a Canadian held by a designated person on the day on which that person became designated
• financial services required in order for a designated person to obtain legal services in Canada with respect to the application of any of the prohibitions in the Regulations
• loan repayments made to any person in Canada or any Canadian abroad in respect of loans entered into before the coming into force of the Regulations, enforcement of security in respect of those loans, or payments by guarantors guaranteeing those loans

Permits and Certificates

The  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Permit Authorization Order , made pursuant to subsection 4(4) of the  Special Economic Measures Act , authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada a permit to carry out a specified activity or transaction, or any class of activity or transaction, that is restricted or prohibited pursuant to the Regulations. Further information is available on the “Permits and Certificates” page.

In November 2013, the refusal of then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to sign a landmark association agreement with the European Union set off major protests in Kyiv, leading to the fall of the Yanukovych government.

In March 2014, Russian forces occupied the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine. Following the unconstitutional “referendum” on March 16, 2014, President Putin signed a treaty purporting to incorporate Crimea into the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014. Canada, along with the international community, continues to condemn Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea.

In the wake of the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, Russian-backed militants quickly gained control of significant portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, declaring the creation of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and the ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’. Fraudulent so-called “independence referendums”, initiated by pro-Russian separatists, were held on May 11, 2014, but gained no international recognition. In the months following, violence increased as Russian-backed insurgents clashed with Ukrainian government forces.

Peace agreements were reached at talks held in Minsk, Belarus, in September 2014 and in February 2015. The February ‘Package of Measures’ contains 13 commitments, including: an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions; the full withdrawal of heavy weaponry by both sides; full exchange of prisoners; pullout of all foreign armed formations; and the regaining by Ukraine of control of its border with Russia, amongst other measures.

Russia’s direct military involvement in Ukraine and clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity continue to be a grave concern for the international community.

Furthermore, events within Russia, including the attack and subsequent imprisonment of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, highlight a trend of deepening authoritarianism in the country. International human rights organizations have noted that Russia’s human rights record has continued to deteriorate in recent years.

Russia has continued to play a destabilizing role in Ukraine, while denying that it is even a party to the conflict in the east, thus leading to a deadlock in the peace negotiations. It also continues to violate human rights in an aggressive and systematic fashion.

In August 2020, prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok-type chemical nerve agent, which was almost fatal and required months of recovery in a German hospital. This, followed by his disturbing treatment by the Russian authorities and the subsequent violent suppression and mass detention of his supporters, brought to the fore a pattern by the Russian government of increasing internal repression and targeting opposition voices.

Significant open source evidence makes clear that the attack on Mr. Navalny was undertaken with the involvement of the Russian authorities. Russia continues to deny any involvement in the attack, and has actively promulgated false and contradictory narratives as alternatives. The Russian government has also refused all calls for an investigation into the incident.

Following Mr. Navalny’s return to Russia on January 17, 2021 from his treatment and recovery in Berlin, he was detained for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended jail sentence. The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights noted that the judgement “defie[d] all credibility and contravene[d] Russia’s international human rights obligations, adding that the original criminal conviction had been found to be “arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable” by the European Court of Human Rights. Mr. Navalny was then sentenced to two years and nine months in a penal colony for violating the terms of his parole while seeking treatment in Germany. This verdict prompted thousands of protesters to take to the street to demand his release in January 2021. In response, Russian law enforcement violently suppressed the demonstrations and detained over 10,000 people for participating in the protests.

Mr. Navalny is not the only individual to have been targeted by the regime for opposition activities. Russia has a demonstrated history of human rights violations, targeting political opponents and critics, and repressing internal dissent, sometimes violently. International and local human rights groups cite reports of multiple incidents of mistreatment committed by law enforcement and correctional bodies, including physical abuse of detainees at the hands of the police, torture or severe mistreatment of inmates in prison colonies, and detention of individuals for association with opposition organizations.

The Russian government is also using legislative measures to suppress opposition voices. In late December 2020, President Putin signed a large number of bills into law, including restrictions on protests, online information, and on individuals and organizations receiving funds from foreign sources for their activities. Civil society space in Russia has continued to shrink, and legal efforts continue to target human rights defenders, and the media. Aggressive state-driven media campaigns discredit the work of civil society, and attacks on civil society actors, as in previous years, remain frequent.

Since fall 2021, a significant build-up of troops (est. 150,000-190,000), military equipment, and military capabilities in and around Ukraine has been accompanied by other Russian escalatory behaviour, including hybrid campaign techniques targeting Ukraine. This is in addition to approximately 50,000 Belarusian troops that have been mobilized in early 2022. This aggression directly threatens and imposes significant further costs on Ukraine, and is also a blatant violation of the Minsk Agreements for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Diplomatic engagement had been very active in early 2022, including negotiations along several tracks, including via: (1) U.S.-Russia bilateral talks (e.g., the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue); (2) NATO; (3) the OSCE; and, (4) the Normandy Four format (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France) for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

On February 21, 2022, Russia signed a decree recognizing the “independence” and “sovereignty” of the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) and Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) regions. Immediately following the recognition of the so-called LNR and DNR, President Putin ordered Russian forces to perform peacekeeping functions in the regions. On February 22, Russia’s Duma gave President Putin permission to use military force outside the country. Uniformed Russian troops, attack helicopters, and armoured vehicles began moving into the territories for the first time, where only covert forces had been. On February 18, Russia-backed so-called authorities ordered the evacuation of women and children from the region, as well as the conscription of men aged 18 to 55. Self-proclaimed leader of DNR, Denis Pushilin, signed an additional decree on February 22 to admit men aged 55 and over to voluntarily join as well.

On February 24, 2022, without provocation, Russian forces initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine. This egregious step is a blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order. The attacks have caused widespread devastation of Ukrainian infrastructure and property, and unnecessary deaths of Ukrainians, particularly civilians.

These actions are a continuation and acceleration of the violent steps taken by Russia since early 2014 to undermine Ukrainian security and sovereignty, and have rendered the Minsk Agreements moot.

G7 Foreign Ministers released a statement on February 21, 2022, condemning Russian recognition of the so-called LNR and DNR regions and stated that they were preparing to step-up restrictive measures responding to Russia’s actions, while reaffirming their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. G7 Foreign Ministers and NATO leaders continue to be united in promising significant consequences for Russia.

In light of these events, on February 24, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations twice. In the first instance, amendments were made in response to the Russian recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine’s Donetsk so called people’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk people’s Republic (LNR) regions and added 351 members of the State Duma to Schedule 1, three (3) entities to Schedule 3.1, two (2) entities to Schedule 1, new prohibitions on Russian sovereign debt, and new criteria for listing targets. In the second instance, amendments were made in response to the Russian military attack against Ukraine’s territory in the so called DNR and LNR regions and added 31 new individuals and 19 new entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations. These are subject to a broad dealings ban. In addition, five (5) entities were moved from Schedule 2 to Schedule 1 and three (3) entities were moved from Schedule 3 to Schedule 1, which resulted in broader prohibitions imposed on these entities.

On February 28, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add eighteen members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation responsible for these actions, including President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Justice Konstantin Chuychenko, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. The amendments also moved three entities from Schedule 3.1 to Schedule 1.

On March 4, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 10 executives in the energy sector, working for the state-owned or controlled oil entities Rosneft or Gazprom.

On March 6, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 10 current or former senior government officials and their close associates, as well as agents of disinformation. Canada also prohibited any ship that is registered in Russia or used, leased or chartered, in whole or in part, by or on behalf of or for the benefit of Russia, a person in Russia or a designated person from docking in Canada or passing through Canadian waters.

On March 10, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 32 defense entities, most of which are owned by the state or have contracts with the Government of Russia; to add five (5) individuals who are current and former senior officials and associates of the regime; as well as to prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from importing specific petroleum products listed in a new Schedule 5.

On March 14, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 15 senior officials of the Government of Russia, who are now subject to a broad dealings ban.

On March 23, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 160 members of the Russian Federation Council, who are now subject to a broad dealings ban. With these names, all members of the Russian Federation Council are now sanctioned by Canada.

On March 24, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the export certain goods and technologies to Russia. The Restricted Goods and Technologies List includes a broad range of items in the areas of electronics, computers, telecommunications, sensors and lasers, navigation and avionics, marine, aerospace and transportation. This decision will help to undermine and erode the capabilities of the Russian military.

On April 5, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the provision of all insurance, reinsurance, and underwriting services for aircraft, aviation and aerospace products either owned by, controlled by, registered to, chartered by, or operated by entities and individuals resident, incorporated, or domiciled in Russia. This amendment also listed an additional nine oligarchs and their family members, as well as regime associates.

On April 8, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 33 entities that belong to the defence sector which directly or indirectly facilitate or support the violation of the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Ukraine.

On April 19, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 14 oligarchs, close associates of the Russian regime, and members of their families.

On May 3, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 21 oligarchs, close associates of the Russian regime, and members of their families.

On May 6, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 19 individuals who are senior defence officials and 5 defence entities.

On May 18, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the export of certain luxury goods and goods that could be used in the manufacturing of weapons to Russia, to prohibit the import of certain luxury goods from Russia, and to list an additional 14 oligarchs, close associates of the Russian regime, and members of their families.

On May 27, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 22 individuals who are senior officials of financial institutions and their family members, as well as 4 key financial institutions and banks.

On June 7, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the provision of 28 services to the Russian oil, gas and chemical industries, including technical, management, accounting, and advertising services.

On June 25, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the export of certain advanced technologies and goods that could be used in the production and manufacturing of weapons by Russia, and to list an additional 6 individuals who are senior defence officials and 46 defence entities.

On July 7, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 29 individuals who are Russian disinformation and propaganda figures and 15 entities involved in disinformation activities. Canada also prohibited the import of certain gold products from Russia, including unwrought gold, semi-manufactured gold, gold powder, monetary gold and jewelry made of gold.

On July 14, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the provision of 2 manufacturing services to the Russian oil, gas, chemical and manufacturing industries. Canada targeted the manufacturing sector by adding 8 new industries to Schedule 8.

On July 29, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 43 individuals and 17 entities. These persons include military officials involved in the Bucha massacre and entities in the defence sector directly or indirectly supporting the Russian military.

On August 19, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 62 individuals. These persons are listed as senior government officials, including Russian federal governors and regional heads, family members and senior defence officials of previously-listed entities in addition to 1 defence sector entity.

On September 29, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 43 individuals who are family members of already listed oligarchs, additional oligarchs or financial elites.

On October 14, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 34 individuals and 1 entity. These individuals and entity are agents of Russian propaganda and their family members, and influential individuals spreading disinformation.

On October 28, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 35 individuals who are senior executives of energy entities already under sanction and 6 entities involved in the energy sector.

On November 10 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 23 individuals who are members of the Russian justice and security sector, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges and prison officials, including senior Russian government officials. They have been involved in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia against opposition leaders, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny and other Russian citizens.

On December 7, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the provision of 8 services, in relation to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil, unless the oil is purchased at or below the price outlined in the G7+ Coalition Oil Price Cap List . This prohibition was extended to the maritime transport of certain Russian petroleum products on February 5, 2022.

On December 7, 2022, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 33 individuals connected to the systematic suppression of protest and opposition to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, forced mobilization and anti-democratic decisions of the Russian government. Canada also listed 6 entities that are federal Russian institutions involved in the investigation, prosecution and detention of Russian citizens who oppose or criticize Russia’s policies in Ukraine.

On February 2, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to list an additional 38 individuals and 16 entities. These individuals and entities are involved in Russia’s disinformation and propaganda actions.

On February 23, 2023, Canada further amended the  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations  to add 129 individuals and 63 entities. The individuals are senior managers in Russia’s leading defence companies, senior officials in the Russian government facilitating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a Russian oligarch and the family members of sanctioned individuals. The entities include decision-making and implementing institutions involved in Russia’s ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as private and state-owned-enterprises in Russia’s defence industry.

On March 10, 2023 Canada further amended the  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations  to prohibit the import of aluminum and steel products originating from Russia.

On April 5, 2023 Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 14 individuals and 34 entities. The individuals are largely senior management at Russian companies that provide military services to Russia. The entities are largely military technology and logistics companies.

On May 18, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 17 individuals and 18 entities. These persons are linked to Russian companies that provide military technology and know- how to Russia’s armed forces, family members of listed persons, and members of the Kremlin elite. Canada also listed 30 individuals and 8 entities involved in Russia’s ongoing human rights violations, including the transfer and custody of Ukrainian children in Russia.

On July 19, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 39 individuals and 25 entities. They include persons connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex (including Private Military Company Wagner, the paramilitary sector, and the Orlan drone supply chain), and leadership in Russia’s nuclear sector. They also include persons from the Russian cultural and education sectors who support the Kremlin’s efforts to "Russify" Ukraine’s culture. The amendments also prohibit persons in Canada and Canadians abroad from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping arms and related material to Russia or any person in Russia, as well as the provision of any  financial, technical or other services in relation to those activities.

On August 17, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 15 individuals and 3 entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who are subject to a broad dealings ban. These individuals are members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including judiciary and investigative committee senior officials. They have been involved in human rights abuses against Russian opposition leaders, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny and other Russian citizens. The entities are two federally controlled district courts supervised by the Moscow City Court, all of which have been involved in sentencing and imprisoning multiple Russian opposition leaders and critics, including Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Navalny.

On August 22, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 4 individuals and 29 entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who are subject to a broad dealings ban. In coordination with G7 allies, they include persons connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex (including Russian state-owned companies), financial institutions, and nuclear sector entities that contribute to Russia’s revenues.

On September 20, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 42 individuals and 21 entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who are subject to a broad dealings ban. They are involved in or associated with the Kremlin-backed illegal and forcible mass transfer of Ukrainian minors, Russian disinformation and Russia's nuclear sector.

On October 12, 2023, Canada and its Price Cap Coalition partners (a group formed by the G7, the European Union, and Australia) issued an to  advisory for the maritime oil industry and related sectors to share best practices for the maritime oil industry. This advisory reflects joint efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt sanctioned trade, and enhance compliance with the price caps on crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation origin that were put in place by the Coalition.

On November 9, 2023, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to nine individuals and six entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who are subject to a broad dealings ban. The individuals have actively disseminated Russian disinformation and propaganda about the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, stretching back to the invasion and illegal occupation of Crimea. The entities are arms-length and state-owned-entities that host and support various platforms used for disseminating Russian disinformation.

On December 5, 2023 Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the direct import of diamond and diamond-related products originating from Russia in-line with G7 commitments. These amendments ensure that revenues cannot be generated from Canada that could eventually support Russia’s budget and ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The amendments also include necessary changes to the existing luxury export ban and import ban in the Russia Regulations to ensure consistency with the new additions to the import ban on diamond and diamond-related products.

On December 8, 2023 Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 30 individuals who are subject to a broad dealings ban. They comprise Russian nationals who ran in the Kremlin-organized sham elections on September 8-10, 2023 on the Russian-occupied territory of Kherson Oblast in Ukraine.

On February 1, 2024, Canada and its Price Cap Coalition partners (a group formed by the G7, the European Union, and Australia) issued an alert regarding compliance and enforcement of the Oil Price Cap (OPC). The alert reflects the Coalition’s proactive approach to compliance and enforcement of the OPC.  This includes supporting governments and industry to improve compliance with the OPC, identify cases of circumvention and infringements, and take robust action to combat them. The alert provides an overview of OPC evasion methods and offers recommendations for identifying such methods and to mitigate their risks and negative impacts. The alert also provides information on how to report suspected OPC breaches across the Coalition.

On February 21 , 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add ten individuals and one hundred fifty-three (153) entities who are subject to a broad dealings band. They comprise individuals and entities: working on agreements with Iran to evade sanctions (or are related to or associates of individuals undertaking such actions); providing logistical and material support to Russia’s oil sector; and/or providing material support to the Russian military, including insurance services, the supply of goods, and the production of technical components for missiles, drones, and other military technology. Canada added to Schedule 7 of the Regulations items classified under the World Customs Organization Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System that could be used for military purposes by Russia. Finally, Canada aligned the Regulations with the authority under the Special Economic Measures Act to list any persons (individuals or entities) outside of Canada who are not Canadian, by removing the definition of “designated person” and changing in the Regulations the language related to “persons” as defined in the Special Economic Measures Act.

On February 29, 2024 Canada further amended the  Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations  to prohibit the purchase, import, or acquisition of certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. In particular, the prohibition applies with respect to natural diamonds whose weight is greater than or equal to 1.0 carat and applies to any person (individual or entity) in Canada as well as Canadians outside of Canada. The amendments also include necessary changes to the existing luxury import ban (Part 2 of Schedule 6) in the Russia Regulations to ensure consistency and clarity with the existing import ban on diamond and diamond-related products. This indirect ban is in-line with G7 commitments and will complement the G7 direct ban on Russian diamond imports that has been implemented by G7 member states.

On February 29, 2024 Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add six (6) individuals to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations) who have participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. These persons include individuals who are senior officials or high-ranking employees in Russia’s prosecution, judicial and penitentiary services who have been involved in the ill-treatment and death of Alexei Navalny.

Selected documents

Regulations and Orders made under the Special Economic Measures Act :

• Justice Canada consolidation of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations
• 2024-02-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-40)
• 2024-02-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-39)
• 2024-02-21 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-32)
• 2024-02-02 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-15)
• 2024-02-02 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-13)
• 2024-02-02 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-14)
• 2024-02-02 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2024-12)
• 2023-12-08 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-264)
• 2023-12-05 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-258)
• 2023-11-09 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-238)
• 2023-11-09 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-237)
• 2023-11-09 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-236)
• 2023-11-09 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-235)
• 2023-10-06 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-214)
• 2023-09-20 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-191)
• 2023-08-22 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-185)
• 2023-08-17 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-184)
• 2023-08-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-176)
• 2023-08-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Special Economic Measures Act (SOR/2023-175)
• 2023-08-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-174)
• 2023-07-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-163)
• 2023-07-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-162)
• 2023-05-18 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-93)
• 2023-05-18 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-92)
• 2023-04-05 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-072)
• 2023-03-10 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-46)
• 2023-02-23 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-032)
• 2023-02-23 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-033)
• 2023-02-02 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2023-014)
• 2022-12-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-262)
• 2022-12-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-261)
• 2022-11-10 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-238)
• 2022-10-28 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-224)
• 2022-10-14 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-213)
• 2022-09-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-201)
• 2022-08-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-189)
• 2022-08-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-188)
• 2022-07-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-184)
• 2022-07-14 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-173)
• 2022-07-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-172)
• 2022-07-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-171)
• 2022-07-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-170)
• 2022-06-25 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-165)
• 2022-06-07 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-125)
• 2022-05-27 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-117)
• 2022-05-18 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-102)
• 2022-05-06 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-98)
• 2022-05-03 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-95)
• 2022-04-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-84)
• 2022-04-08 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-81)
• 2022-04-05 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-74)
• 2022-03-24 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-67)
• 2022-03-23 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-64)
• 2022-03-14 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-56)
• 2022-03-10 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-53)
• 2022-03-10 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-52)
• 2022-03-06 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-48)
• 2022-03-06 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-47)
• 2022-03-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-46)
• 2022-02-28 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-32)
• 2022-02-28 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-31)
• 2022-02-24 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-29)
• 2022-02-24 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2022-27)
• 2021-03-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2021-64)
• 2021-03-21 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2021-48)
• 2019-03-15 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2019-71)
• 2019-03-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Special Economic Measures Act (SOR/2019-61)
• 2016-03-18 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2016-50)
• 2015-06-29 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2015-178)
• 2015-02-17 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2015-39)
• 2014-12-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-316)
• 2014-09-16 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-204)
• 2014-08-06 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-195)
• 2014-07-24 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-184)
• 2014-06-21 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-171)
• 2014-05-12 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-108)
• 2014-05-04 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-103)
• 2014-04-28 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-98)
• 2014-03-21 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-65)
• 2014-03-19 (Entered into force) - Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-62)
• 2014-03-17 (Entered into force) - Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (SOR/2014-58)
• 2014-03-17 (Entered into force) - Special Economic Measures (Russia) Permit Authorization Order (SOR/2014-59)

Announcements related to the Regulations made under the Special Economic Measures Act :

• 2024-03-03 – News Release – Minister Joly announces sanctions against the Russian government for the Kremlin’s responsibility for Alexei Navalny’s death
• 2024-03-01 – News Release – Minister Joly announces additional ban on imports of Russian diamonds
• 2024-02-23 – News Release – Minister Joly announces additional sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
• 2024-02-01 - Global Alert - Oil Price Cap Coalition Compliance and Enforcement Alert
• 2023-12-20 - Global Advisory - Statement of the G7 and Australia on Price Cap Rule Updates for Seaborne Russian-Origin Oil and Petroleum Products
• 2023-12-12 - News Release - Minister Joly announces new sanctions related to Russia’s illegal elections in occupied territories of Ukraine
• 2023-11-10 - News Release - Minister Joly announces additional sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
• 2023-10-12 - Statement - Statement from the G7 and Australia on Actions Taken to Enforce Price Caps for Seaborne Russian-Origin Oil and Petroleum Products
• 2023-10-12 - Global Advisory - Global Advisory for the Maritime Oil Industry and Related Sectors on Best Practices in Response to Recent Developments in the Maritime Oil Trade
• 2023-08-23 - News Release - Canada announces additional sanctions against Russia’s military and nuclear sectors
• 2023-08-17 - News Release - Canada announces sanctions against officials of justice and security sectors
• 2023-07-20 - News Release - Minister Joly announces additional sanctions against Russia in response to ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine
• 2023-04-11 - News Release - Prime Minister announces more support for Ukraine
• 2023-03-09 - Global Advisory - Global Advisory on Russian Sanctions Evasion Issued Jointly by the Multilateral REPO Task Force
• 2023-02-24 - News Release - Supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes
• 2023-02-03 - News Release - Canada sanctions additional Russian propagandists
• 2022-12-09 - News Release - Canada and G7-plus partners impose price cap on Russian crude oil
• 2022-12-09 - News Release - Canada imposes new sanctions on Russian, Iranian and Myanmar regimes
• 2022-11-14 - News Release - Prime Minister announces additional military assistance for Ukraine and additional sanctions against Russia
• 2022-09-30 - News Release - Canada sanctions Russian regime collaborators complicit in sham referendums in Ukraine
• 2022-03-15 - News Release - Canada imposes additional sanctions on enablers of President Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine
• 2022-03-01 - Backgrounder - Canada imposes additional economic measures on Russia in wake of its military attack against Ukraine
• 2022-02-24 - News Release - Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine
• 2022-02-24 - Backgrounder - Canada imposes additional economic measures on Russia in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine
• 2021-03-29 - News Release - Canada imposes new sanctions on individuals and entities involved in illegal annexation of Crimea
• 2021-03-29 - Backgrounder - Sanctions on Russia related to Crimea
• 2021-03-24 - News Release - Canada imposes new sanctions in response to deteriorating human rights situation in Russia
• 2021-03-24 - Backgrounder - Russia Sanctions
• 2019-03-15 - News Release - Canada imposes new sanctions in response to Russia’s aggressive actions
• 2019-03-15 - Backgrounder - Ukraine sanctions
• 2016-03-18 - News Release - Additional sanctions on individuals and entities for activities related to Russia and Ukraine
• 2015-06-29 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2015-06-29 - Backgrounder - Expanded Sanctions List
• 2014-12-19 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-12-19 - Backgrounder - Expanded Sanctions List
• 2014-09-16 - News Release - Canada Announces Further Sanctions
• 2014-08-06 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-08-06 - Backgrounder - Expanded Sanctions List
• 2014-07-24 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing further sanctions
• 2014-07-24 - Backgrounder - Expanded Sanctions List
• 2014-06-21 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing further sanctions
• 2014-06-21 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List
• 2014-05-12 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-05-12 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List
• 2014-05-04 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-05-04 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List
• 2014-04-28 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-04-28 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List
• 2014-03-21 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions
• 2014-03-21 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List
• 2014-03-19 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions (unavailable)
• 2014-03-19 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List (unavailable)
• 2014-03-17 - Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada announcing additional sanctions (unavailable)
• 2014-03-17 - Backgrounder - Sanctions List (unavailable)
• Export and Import Controls
• Canada-Russia relations
• Sanctions – Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Restricted Goods and Technologies List
• G7+ Coalition Oil Price Cap List
• Global Advisory for the Maritime Oil Industry and Related Sectors on Best Practices in Response to Recent Developments in the Maritime Oil Trade

Please be advised that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide legal advice to members of the public. For this reason, we cannot deliver an opinion as to whether or not a specific activity or transaction would contravene sanctions legislation. You should consider seeking legal advice in relation to an activity that may contravene a Canadian sanction law.

Thank you for your help!

You will not receive a reply. For enquiries, please contact us .

Exclusive: Russia tightens officials' travel rules due to fears over secrets, sources say

• Medium Text

• FSB pressing for tighter travel rules, say sources
• Push comes amid Ukraine war, crisis in Russia-West ties
• Rules vary across Russian government departments
• Russia fears officials could get trapped or extradited
• Foreign travel especially tough for state secret holders

'FRIENDLY' COUNTRY BAN

Sign up here.

Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

France's foreign minister looks to prevent Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalation in Lebanon visit

France's foreign minister will push proposals to prevent further escalation and a potential war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah during a visit to Lebanon on Sunday as Paris seeks to refine a roadmap that both sides could accept to ease tensions.

As Russia presses forward, Ukraine pleads with Canada for armour, air defence

'we're fighting your war,' says oleksandra ustinova, head of ukraine's parliamentary commission on arms.

Social Sharing

A leading member of the Ukrainian parliament delivered stark warnings to Canadian politicians and top defence officials this week in a series of mostly under-the-radar meetings in Ottawa ahead of the long-anticipated aid vote in the U.S. Congress.

Oleksandra Ustinova, the head of Ukraine's special parliamentary commission on arms and munitions, told Defence Minister Bill Blair, members of key House of Commons committees and military leaders that both time and weapons stocks are running out for her country.

"The message is very clear. There is urgency, and Ukraine is going to lose if there is no more support coming," Ustinova told CBC News.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Saturday in favour of legislation that included aid for Ukraine, part of a wider $95-billion US package that also includes support for Israel and Taiwan.

Saturday's vote puts an end to a months-long holdup involving more than $60 billion in U.S. support for the embattled eastern European country. Russian forces have made slow and steady gains on the battlefield and have pummelled Ukrainian cities in a series of missile and air strikes.

We’ll take your old military equipment and repair it ourselves: Ukraine MP

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization convened a special virtual meeting of defence ministers on Friday, where they committed to helping Ukraine tighten up its air defences.

"NATO has mapped out existing capabilities across the alliance and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

It's those existing capabilities and inventory, coupled with air defence, that Ustinova was interested in as she met with Canadian officials and toured Camp Petawawa, a major military base near Ottawa, earlier this week.

In particular, she was interested in Canada's stock of new and retired armoured vehicles. She said she doesn't buy the argument that old, broken-down light armoured vehicles are not fit for donation.

"Ukrainians are ready to take even junk, tear it apart and make one out of three machines. This is something that can protect our soldiers," Ustinova told CBC News.

• NATO members to meet as Ukraine calls for 25 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks
• Liberals 'doubling down' on foreign aid as G7 allies pull back

"There [is] a lot of stuff that can be donated but it's not, for some reason. And I don't understand why because, for example, Canada has a lot of armoured vehicles. Like LAVs that you produce yourself. What is the problem to transfer those to the Ukrainian army?"

According to figures put before the House of Commons last year, the Canadian army has 195 LAV II Bisons and 149 Coyote armoured reconnaissance vehicles that are being taken out of service.

The Department of National Defence (DND) also says 67 tracked light armour vehicles (TLAVs) out of a fleet of 140 are awaiting final demilitarization and disposal, or are being used as a source of spare parts for the 73 vehicles still in service.

The Canadian military is slated to take delivery of 621 upgraded LAV III vehicles, which are being converted into LAV VIs.

Ustinova said she finds it hard to understand why Canada can't part with any of those vehicles.

"It's much more effective, I would say, to support Ukraine in our fight right now, and to give us the stuff we need, so you don't have to fight later," she said.

Canada already has given Ukraine eight Leopard 2A4 tanks, 39 new armoured combat support vehicles and 208 Roshel Senator armoured four-by-fours. It also promised during President Volodymyr's Zelenskyy's visit to Ottawa last year to buy additional 50 armoured vehicles for Ukraine; six months later, that contract has yet to be finalized.

• Budget earmarks almost $3 billion in loans, grants for Ukraine

Ustinova said Canada could help by going to third countries to purchase air defence missiles, which are in short supply.

"A lot of countries in the world are doing that," she said. 

"We have Denmark. We have the Netherlands. We have Great Britain that is literally buying us stuff from other countries. Why can't Canada write a check and buy us the missiles for air defence to protect our population?"

Canada does not have its own dedicated air defence systems to protect either military or civilian targets, so it can't raid its own inventory.

It has, however, contributed $30 million toward an allied coalition that is attempting to procure systems and missiles to protect Ukrainian skies. Earlier in the war, Canada donated both new and used AIM air-to-air missiles.

The Liberal government's recent federal budget set aside $2.7 billion in aid for Ukraine this year, most of it in the form of loans to keep the country's war-ravaged economy afloat. Roughly $320 million has been set aside for military assistance.

That, according to the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, represents a reduction in support when compared with previous years.

"Planned military aid to Ukraine for this year, approximately $320 million, represents a decrease in military aid as compared to 2023 and 2022 and falls short of the military aid committed by other allies of Ukraine — for example, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, the Netherlands — who have committed far more military assistance in both real numbers and relative to GDP," the organization said in a statement earlier this week.

Speaking to CBC Radio's The House two weeks ago, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland chided the United States for being "unable to step up" on aid to Ukraine.

"In March, Canada sent $2 billion in urgent budget financing support to Ukraine at a time when the U.S. — and this is maybe something you could ask the U.S. ambassador about — at a time when the U.S. has been unable to step up and provide support for Ukraine. We were there to fill the gap," Freeland said.

Ustinova said that, even after her meeting in Ottawa, she remains puzzled by Canada's reluctance to part with more military aid in the midst of a shooting war.

"We're fighting your war," she said.

"We are protecting the world right now and we're not asking for boots on the ground. All we're asking is, help us protect our soldiers, help us protect our population.

"Canada has been very supportive and helpful in terms of supporting our budget, but again, when we talk about the military, I still think there is a very low understanding of the real needs."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior reporter, defence and security

Murray Brewster is senior defence writer for CBC News, based in Ottawa. He has covered the Canadian military and foreign policy from Parliament Hill for over a decade. Among other assignments, he spent a total of 15 months on the ground covering the Afghan war for The Canadian Press. Prior to that, he covered defence issues and politics for CP in Nova Scotia for 11 years and was bureau chief for Standard Broadcast News in Ottawa.

• Follow Murray Brewster on Twitter

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest news
• Stock market
• Premium news
• Biden economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

Canada allows airbus to use russian titanium in aircraft production despite sanctions – reuters.

Canada has permitted Airbus to use Russian titanium in industrial production after becoming the first Western government to prohibit the supply of this crucial metal as part of the most recent round of sanctions.

Source: Reuters

Details: The move gives Airbus more flexibility in its Canadian facilities and is anticipated to alleviate concerns that its core operations may be jeopardised if its European-made jets, which rely mainly on light titanium, are banned from being imported into Canada.

Quote: "Airbus is aware of the Canadian government imposing sanctions on VSMPO and has obtained the necessary authorisation to secure Airbus operations in compliance with the applicable sanctions," Airbus Canada responded to a query from Reuters.

The company did not provide details of the permits or speciy how long they would last. The Canadian government also did not respond to requests for comments.

Background:  According to Russian customs, Gabon suddenly became the leading supplier of replacement parts for Russian aircraft in 2023.

Support UP or become our patron !

Russia renews attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector as Kyiv launches drones at southern Russia

Author of the article:

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Article content

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia launched a barrage of missiles against Ukraine overnight, in attacks that appeared to target the country’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia said its air defense systems had intercepted more than 60 Ukrainian drones over the southern Krasnodar region.

Ukraine’s air force said Saturday that Russia had launched 34 missiles against Ukraine overnight, of which 21 had been shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.

In a post on Telegram, Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko said energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk in the south of the country and Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv in the west had been attacked and that an engineer was injured.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

• Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
• Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
• National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
• Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

Private energy operator DTEK said four of its thermal power plants were damaged and that there were “casualties,” without going into detail.

Earlier this month Russia destroyed one of Ukraine’s largest power plants and damaged others in a massive missile and drone attack as it renewed its push to target Ukraine’s energy facilities.

Ukraine has appealed to its Western allies for more air defense systems to ward off such attacks. At a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the U.S. will provide Ukraine with additional munitions and gear for its air defense launchers.

Further east, a psychiatric hospital was damaged and one person was wounded after Russia launched a missile attack overnight on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. Photos from the scene showed a huge crater on the grounds of the facility and patients taking shelter in corridors. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said a 53-year-old woman was hurt.

Also in the Kharkiv region, a man was killed in an overnight attack on the city of Vovchansk, according to Ukraine’s State Service for Emegency Situations.

In Russia, the Defense Ministry said Russian air defense systems had intercepted 66 drones over the country’s southern Krasnodar region. Two more drones were shot down over the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula.

The governor of the Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratyev, said that Ukrainian forces targeted an oil refinery and infrastructure facilities but that there were no casualties or serious damage. The regional department of the Emergency Situations Ministry reported that a fire broke out at the Slavyansk oil refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban during the attack.

Ukrainian officials normally decline to comment on attacks on Russian soil, but the Ukrainian Energy Ministry said Saturday that two oil refineries in the Krasnodar region had been hit by drones.

Five people were wounded in a drone attack in a border village in Russia’s Belgorod region, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Chris Selley: Canada's Supreme Court justices gone wild

Np view: loblaw is a true canadian success story — no wonder trudeau wants to destroy it, b.c. government asks health canada to 'urgently' make drug use in public illegal again, four-litre jug of vodka not enough the 19-litre 'saskatchewan mickey' may be for you, planning a summer trip to quebec’s iles-de-la-madeleine you’ll have to pay up., badgley mischka founders bring celebrity-approved designs to vancouver.

Fashion brand Badgley Mischka has been worn by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Helen Mirren and many more.

Phil Rosenthal of Netflix's "Somebody Feed Phil" on his love of travel, food, discovering the unknown

Plus his can't-live-without travel essentials

Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Walmart makes patio furniture from recycled materials

Stylish and affordable sets for your outdoor space

Breathe easy with our favourite air purifiers

A reliable air purifier can effectively remove airborne particles and improve air quality

The best online deals in the Canadian retail space right now

Good American, Brooklinen and Our Place, to name a few

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 112 or:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For calls originating inside Russia the “7” should be replaced by an “8”.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Useful links