Minister Joly announces additional sanctions targeting Russian disinformation and propaganda agents

July 8, 2022 – Bali, Indonesia – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced additional sanctions in relation to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, while attending the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine, a friend and ally, as it fights for freedom. Canada will not stand by as President Vladimir Putin wages his illegal and unjust war and seeks to justify it through disinformation, manipulation and propaganda.

To counter the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign, Canada is imposing sanctions against 29 state-sponsored disinformation and propaganda agents and 15 entities controlled or owned by the Russian government and involved in disinformation efforts. This includes Sumbatovich Gasparyan, the Head of the International Department at Russia Today (RT) state media holding, with considerable influence in Russia. These sanctions include those announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit in Elmau, Germany. Also, effective immediately, Canada has banned the import of certain gold imports from Russia.

Canada has also launched a webpage dedicated to countering disinformation with facts. Canada will continue to use this platform to shed light on how the Russian regime is using lies to justify its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.