Canada imposes additional sanctions on Belarusian regime

November 22, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, during the visit of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing further sanctions on the Lukashenko regime for facilitating and enabling Russia’s illegal invasion and attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory.

By letting its territory serve as a launching pad for Russia’s egregious attacks against Ukraine, the Belarusian leadership is enabling the Russian regime’s human rights violations in places such as Bucha, Izium and Mariupol, and for contributing to the pain and suffering of millions around the globe that has resulted from President Putin’s weaponization of food and energy.

President Lukashenko’s complete disregard for human rights, both domestically and abroad, is unjustifiable. Canada is therefore imposing sanctions on an additional 22 Belarusian officials, including those complicit in the stationing and transport of Russian military personnel and equipment involved in the invasion of Ukraine. Canada is also imposing sanctions on an additional 16 Belarusian companies involved in military manufacturing, technology, engineering, banking and railway transportation.

These measures will exert further pressure on the Belarusian leadership. President Lukashenko must cease being an instrument of the Russian regime.

These new sanctions are the latest example of Canada’s efforts to stand with its international partners in support of Ukraine. Canada will continue to coordinate its measures with its partners to exert further pressure on President Putin and his accomplices.